Prescott unveils changes to boost affordable housing

20-Jul-2005

The planning system in the UK is set for a major shake-up in a bid to offer more affordable housing to aspiring homeowners.

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Deputy prime minister John Prescott has unveiled a new consultation document designed to ensure that there remains considerable scope for affordable housing even in growth areas such as the Thames Gateway.

"Today's proposals will mean the planning system can respond faster to the housing market and local needs, so that more homes can be built where they're needed," explained Mr Prescott.

The plans include enabling more council-owned land to be freed up so that private developers can build affordable housing for aspiring first time buyers, and the amount of land made available will be driven by demand in each specific region.

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Ministers hope that this will mean that affordable housing can be built in the areas where it is needed most, thereby getting more first time buyers onto the first rung of the property ladder.

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