British Land and Landsec have created a set of proposals aimed at reforming urban regeneration in the UK, increasing growth, housing availability, and job opportunities
Their recommendations focus on improving the planning system’s support for brownfield regeneration, without requiring major legislative measures or public funding. It is hoped this will stimulate economic development in urban areas in the UK.
`More growth, more homes, more jobs – how to reform the planning system to unlock urban regeneration’, has been produced by British Land and Landsec, to redesign the current planning system that is hindering economic growth.
The two companies, known for their involvement in regeneration projects, are working on an expansive 24-acre Mayfield neighbourhood in central Manchester and an a 53-acre Canada Water development in London.
What are the current issues in urban regeneration?
The paper addresses three main issues with the current planning system. According to the companies, the planning system’s numerous modifications have created an overly complex structure that impedes economic activity.
Secondly, the proposal says these changes have overburdened planning authorities, leading to challenges and limitations.
Lastly, the paper stresses the negative effects of prioritising housebuilding in greenfield areas and rigidly adhering to a fixed planning framework. This hinders the creation of diverse mixed-use urban developments.
British Land and Landsec aim to promote a more balanced and nuanced approach to urban planning and regeneration by drawing attention to these areas.
What are the companies recommendations?
The proposal outlines several key initiatives. These include defining brownfield sites as a distinct planning category, piloting new approaches in progressive authorities, and streamlining the planning system.
They also suggest encouraging proportional decision-making, addressing the unique challenges of urban regeneration, and creating tax incentives for infrastructure investment. The companies have also urged planners to prioritise community involvement in reshaping urban spaces.
“There is political consensus in the need to prioritise urban regeneration over greenfield development. The ideas we are recommending today would help to drive our country’s growth by rejuvenating our great cities and towns and can be put into place quickly and easily,” Simon Carter, CEO of British Land.
“Urban, brownfield regeneration has the potential to unlock growth and prosperity for cities across the UK. However, the current planning system acts as a significant brake to this growth,” added Mark Allan, CEO at Landsec.
“We believe that by making some necessary but simple changes to the existing planning regime, we can unlock this opportunity – for the benefit of the UK, for the economy and importantly for the communities we build for,” concluded Allan.
