Campaigning for change and a real light bulb moment

THIS weekend in we take a look at the latest Competition and Markets Authority report, which reveals some concerns along with useful suggestions for change.

It concluded that a complex and unpredictable planning system, together with the limitations of speculative private development, is responsible for the persistent under delivery of new homes.

Anyone who has engaged, lodged a planning application and tried to make useful suggestions to planning authorities will understand why change is indeed needed.

Getting planning permission is a laborious and frustrating process. Before we blame those working within planning departments, we know that most of them are chronically understaffed so extra employees would be a good place to start.

More money for planning departments, please Prime Minister, and a long, hard look at the rules and regulations before you make much-needed reforms and speed things up.

I also like the suggestion by Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders. He says there is potential for more areas to adopt custom build and reminds us that in Germany, custom build properties account for a much higher percentage of overall housing delivery, which means less reliance on housing developers and diversity of design.

The main feature this week brings a bit of extra colour to the property supplement as it is all about Rohan Blacker, founder of lighting company Pooky. com, which has opened in the interiors mecca that is Redbrick Mill, Batley.

Rohan is one of the most genuinely likeable entrepreneurs I’ve had the pleasure to meet and that is partly the reason for his success in business.

The other is coming up with great ideas. Pooky, loved by interior designers and the general public alike, is an original concept that is simple but hugely effective.