Coronavirus recovery plan for construction updated
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
On 22 June 2020, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick MP announced measures to help the home construction industry boost the building process and return to work safely. Initiatives will include an extension to planning permission deadlines, an acceleration of planning appeals and an adaptation of working hours (based on permission from local councils) to provide greater flexibility for construction site operations.
[edit] Planning permission extensions
Under typical conditions, planning permission expires if work onsite has not started within three years. The revised guidelines will allow approved planning permissions that were set to expire between 23 March 2020 (when lockdown was officially announced) and 31 December 2020 an extension until 1 April 2021.
The objective of this measure is to avoid work from being entirely halted. It is estimated that by 30 June 2020, work on more than 24,000 new homes would have been affected by more than 400 expiring planning permissions.
[edit] Appeals process
The Planning Inspectorate (PINS) will be permitted to expedite planning appeals by using written representations, hearings and enquiries - simultaneously. This move should allow appeals to proceed faster.
A pilot in 2019 tested this initiative and incorporated suggestions from the Rosewell Review. Through this process, the duration of an appeal inquiry was cut by more than half - from 47 weeks to 23 weeks.
[edit] Hours of operation
Builders will be able to approach local councils to request flexible hours of operation on construction sites. This will allow workers to stagger arrival times and decrease travel during peak hours on public transport in accordance with social distancing recommendations.
[edit] Other initiatives
The announcement builds on measures to support the economy and protect the capacity of the construction sector, including:
- Introducing more than £330 billion of loans and guarantees to support continuous operations.
- Deferring self-assessment payments until 2021.
- Reopening the housing market in a manner that supports estate agents, conveyancers, removals firms and the wider construction and property industry to return to work under social distancing guidelines.
- Launching a Charter with the Home Builders Federation so that construction sites can reopen in line with health and safety requirements.
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said, “Building the homes the country needs is central to the mission of this government and is an important part of our plans to recover from the impact of the coronavirus. New laws will enable us to speed up the pace of planning appeals and save hundreds of construction sites from being cancelled before they have a chance to get spades in the ground, helping to protect hundreds of thousands of jobs and create many others.Taken together, these measures will help to keep workers safe and our economy moving as we work together to bounce back from the pandemic.”
Ref: New plans to get Britain building in coronavirus recovery.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.
Heritage staff wellbeing at work survey.
A five minute introduction.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Showcasing the very best electrotechnical and engineering services for half a century.
Welsh government consults on HRBs and reg changes
Seeking feedback on a new regulatory regime and a broad range of issues.