Propertymark has urged the Government to provide details about its plans to increase housing following the ambitious announcement in the King’s Speech.

In the past, the professional body has contended that the new Government would need to construct a vast new housing estate, with over 1,000 homes each day, to meet its ambitious goal of 1.5 million new homes by 2029.

On Wednesday, 17 July, during the King’s Speech, His Majesty declared: “My ministers will get Britain building, including through planning reform, as they seek to accelerate the delivery of high-quality infrastructure and housing (Planning and Infrastructure Bill).”

Prior to the King’s Speech, the new Government had committed to reviewing the national planning framework, which includes reinstating mandatory housing targets for local authorities, as part of their strategy to build 1.5 million new homes by the end of this parliamentary term.

Propertymark has also previously advocated for the Government to redefine the green belt, enabling a targeted building program on brownfield sites first.

Nathan Emerson, CEO at Propertymark, remarked: “Pledges from the new Government to build 1.5 million new homes and to reform the national planning policy framework to restore compulsory housebuilding targets for local authorities are welcome, as this country desperately needs to ensure supply meets increasing demand and ultimately make home ownership more affordable.

“However, Propertymark has previously highlighted that for the new Government to meet its ambitious housing targets, there must be a full review and wide-ranging stakeholder engagement to ensure there is sensible infrastructure in place to enable new developments to flourish and complement the areas they are built within.

“It is imperative that existing areas which are available for use are strategically prioritised for redevelopment above greenbelt land – moving forwards there must be a ‘connected communities’ approach and one which integrates and enhances already established metropolitan areas.”