The green belt should not be sacrificed
The Campaign to Protect Rural England has denounced the encroachment of new housing on greenbelt land. They say plans to build 460,000 homes on previously protected sites will not help young families get on the property ladder. The Government counters by insisting it is not reneging on election promises to spare the green belt and permission for housing is given only in exceptional circumstances.
But why is it necessary to build so many homes on land that for 60 years has been earmarked to be free of development? The reason always given is that it is necessary to fulfil building targets and in particular to help first-time buyers. Yet as the CPRE points out, three-quarters of planned developments on greenfield sites do not fall under the Government’s “affordable” definition.
Builders are anxious to obtain permission to build in the countryside because they can command higher prices for the homes. This neither helps those who are struggling to find the money to buy nor meets the country’s housing needs. Unless it is proposed to build sizeable communities with cheap housing, schools and transport links in the countryside, it will make no difference to the demands of a burgeoning population caused largely by immigration.
Housing is needed in areas where most people want to live, not where developers can get the highest price. This is predominantly in London and the South East where brownfield sites remain underused even though planning permissions already exist. The CPRE argues that local authorities with greenbelt land have enough brownfield sites for 720,000 homes.
Supply of housing is also being suppressed by the tax system. Stamp duty levels are deterring people from downsizing and freeing up the market, as seen in recent figures showing that revenues are beginning to fall. As a result of decisions mainly taken by George Osborne, the UK has one of the highest rates of property tax in the world.
There are arguments for doing away with stamp duty altogether; but even a rate reduction would help, while bringing in more money for the Treasury as the market picks up again. This in turn would feed into greater activity, encouraging developers to release the land they have permission to build on – and save the green belt at the same time. We accept letters by post, fax and email only. Please include name, address, work and home telephone numbers.
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