As predicted in a
previous article, the government has invited local authorities
to join its accelerated construction programme.
The Autumn Statement allocated £1.7 billion over the next four
years to an Accelerated Construction Programme which aims to
deliver up to 15,000 homes on central and local surplus public
sector.
The programme is intended to support diversification of housing
supply by supporting non-major builders and help tackle the
construction skills gap by greater use of Modern Methods of
Construction (MMC).
Central Government has already agreed to commit its surplus
public land to this initiative. Where sites are considered
suitable, instead of selling land on the open market, the
government will undertake basic site preparation and obtain outline
planning permission, select a development partner through a
competitive process, including agreement on build-out rates and
risk and profit sharing.
The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has now issued
invitations for expressions of interest from local authorities to
identify sites where a similar approach by councils could deliver
new homes quickly, if possible within this Parliament. This is
expected to identify the support and expertise that will be
required to accelerate development on such sites.
The Greater London Authority (GLA) is expected to initiate a
similar consultation with London boroughs.
See further details of the Accelerated
Construction Programme and how your council can apply.
Expressions of interest should be made by Tuesday 28
February 2017.