The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has responded to the UK Labour Party’s proposed measures to deliver new housing if it wins the upcoming general election. Angela Rayner MP, Labour’s Deputy Leader and Shadow Housing Secretary, made the announcement in a speech at the UKREiiF conference in Leeds.
RIBA President Muyiwa Oki said: “Given the scale and complexity of the housing crisis, commitments to deliver new well-designed, high quality and sustainable homes and places at scale are welcome.
“Architects stand ready to design the millions of high quality affordable new homes required and, as today’s announcement acknowledges, we will prioritise access to green spaces, transport, and social infrastructure such as schools and hospitals – all vital for people and places to thrive.
“Delays in the planning system have held up necessary development for too long. Measures to unlock brownfield and grey belt land and work alongside local leaders, to speed up delivery of homes where they are needed most, is a vital step.
“But to make this happen, the Government must comprehensively resource local planning departments with the skills and expertise needed to ensure all new homes are up to standard.
“Today’s plan outlines some positive first steps. We will work with whomever forms the next Government to deliver the homes we deserve.”
