With the appointment of a new housing secretary, Michael Gove, we can expect to see some action over the next few months, with the Planning For The Future ideas finally taking shape. It has been a year since the white paper came out.
However, it is not fair to say that there has been no implementation of the paper, as many ideas have already been enacted. For instance, the ideas on design, eg planning for beauty as outlined in the BBBBC reports. Think design codes, pattern books, like the Victorians used to use. Or the housing numbers debacle, with the Government dropping its previous proposal to change how housing numbers are agreed. The First Homes proposal, with much more social housing stock being sold rather than rented.
Gove is the right person to push through a more radical proposal, as he is more of a thinker then Jenerick the previous housing minister. He is also prepared to push through unpopular reforms. He is praying for success in his new appointment !
The prime minister has his reputation to think about, as he promised RADICAL reform like no other since 1947 ! If he does not follow through with it, he will look pretty useless ! My bet is that they hopefully will keep the new proposed zoning system, but include more generous public consultations… We will see.