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Barker review urges more green belt development
A wholehearted change of attitude to developing on green belt land is needed, according to the newly published Barker Review.
"In many areas it is vital to support regeneration or to preserve the character of historic towns. However, the green belt now covers almost 13% of England", Kate Barker writes in her report.
She adds that "local planning bodies should review their green belt boundaries to ensure they remain relevant and appropriate, and so ensure that planned development takes place in the most sustainable location".
Low supply coupled with consistently high demand is widely blamed for the unceasing rises in house prices, something that has kept those on low incomes, as well as first-time buyers, out of the market.
The planning process would also be simplified under the report's recommendations, something that would encourage business investment and could see an increase in competition - and therefore prices - for potential development land.
source: http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk
