Mark White, MD of Bargate Homes responds to King’s speech

July 17, 2024

Mark White, Managing Director of Hampshire-headquartered Bargate Homes, said: “Having stalled the submission of some planning applications over the past 18 months, we have made up for lost time in recent weeks, attempting to lodge our plans ahead of the stampede. Bargate Homes currently has 10 major planning applications that are being processed, or are just about to be submitted, which could deliver over 800 mixed-tenure homes in sought-after neighbourhoods.

“With mandatory housebuilding targets back in play, we are having productive conversations with planning officers and feel confident that our applications are being assessed with an open mindset. This is encouraging us to examine a handful of new potential development opportunities, especially as some prime sites are now coming to market.

“Following today’s State Opening of Parliament and the King’s Speech, the SME housebuilding community is ready and waiting for more detail and action, as there is so much to do to reverse the damage done by Michael Gove. We expect changes to the NPPF to be tabled later this month, but the implementation must then be fast-tracked.

“The ‘get Britain building’ mantra was in the King’s Speech, which is so encouraging, but we all need to know how and when. Housing is so critical to the health of the economy and we cannot wait until the end of this five-year Parliament term to see new government policies enacted at a local level.

“The chronic problem with the planning process is that it’s so politically motivated at a local level, against a backdrop of the new build sector’s poor reputational image. NIMBY resistance has got the UK to a position where only half the annual target of 300,000 new homes will be delivered during 2024… so how can 1.5million new homes be built before 2029?

“Angela Rayner and Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook need to act quickly to eradicate all the barriers for pre-commencements. Section 106 negotiations should be concurrent to the review of a live planning application, so that housebuilders don’t end up missing crucial ecology seasons – or go out of business because they can’t start on site. As soon as housebuilders can build more homes, we can also generate more tax revenue and long-term economic value.”

Bargate Homes is a wholly owned subsidiary of VIVID – Hampshire’s largest provider of affordable homes. Established in 2006, the company builds select developments in prime locations across Hampshire, Dorset, and West Sussex. Bargate Homes is currently delivering 300 homes per year across six live developments and has a pipeline of future sites expected to deliver in excess of 2,500 new homes.

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