Councils seek powers to tackle land hoarding

LOCAL authorities have welcomed the Labour Party proposals for extra powers to tackle the hoarding of land by developers. 
In a speech on Saturday, Labour Party leader Ed Miliband hit out at housebuilders he accused of sitting on land to get a better deal; he raised the prospect of granting new powers to councils to penalise developers that don’t proceed with schemes despite having planning permission. 

Councillor Clyde Loakes, vice chairman of the Local Government Association (LGA) said: "At a time when housebuilding is still failing to keep up with demand, we would support any policy which strengthens local authorities' ability to respond to the housing needs of their areas. 
'We have been clear that the planning system is not the problem. Instead we need to find a way to unlock stalled sites, address the lack of liquidity in the finance markets and tackle the shortage of mortgages available for first-time buyers. Councils want to see developments which they have given planning permission to brought forward. Where there are legitimate reasons for developers struggling to get building work underway, local authorities will always be keen to work with them to overcome any obstacles. New powers to curb land-banking would be a useful option where developers are stalling sites for no reason other than to maximise their own profits.'
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Ferengi Rules of Acquisition: Rule #76. Every once in a while, declare peace. It confuses the hell out of your enemies.
Sylvia Wilson, 
Coordinator: Homes Under Threat (HUT National Network)
01282 604749
sylvia@homesunderthreat.co.uk
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