Careful planning

Every government of whatever hue has tried in recent years to reform the planning system. The imperative is always the same: the population is growing, more homes are needed but bureaucracy stops them being built. Most of the initiatives foundered on the rocks of public opposition. “Nimbyism” may seem like the curse of the town planner but it is also a reflection of local people’s concern for their neighbourhoods.

The rules have already been eased to grant permission to build in more circumstances, with a default assumption that it should take place. But a Government sustained by the mantra “build, build, build” evidently thinks more needs to happen. Robert Jenrick, the Housing Secretary, will publish plans this week under which “automatic” permission will be granted on land designated for renewal. This will raise fears among rural voters that a free-for-all could develop, though Mr Jenrick insists quality controls will remain in place.

But while the Government wants to reinvigorate the construction industry, it is questionable whether that necessitates building more homes, especially on greenfield sites. Demand is greatest among younger people who want to live in cities. Here, and in London especially, office blocks made redundant by the economic crisis could be converted into flats, giving work to builders while revitalising city centres that currently rely on commuters to sustain shops, bars, restaurants and similar businesses now under threat. Moreover, hundreds of thousands of building permissions have been granted over the past 10 years without a single brick being laid. Before picking a fight with its own supporters, the Government might want to look at alternative options first.