The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) writes:<\/p>\n
The ability to unlock large housing developments should be made an explicit criterion in assessing infrastructure, the RTPI said in its response to a National Infrastructure Commission\u2019s (NIC) consultation.<\/p>\n
This is an opportunity for the government to use infrastructure to help solve the housing crisis, bridge the north-south divide in England and tackle climate change. Our approach would ensure infrastructure acts as a catalyst to unlock large scale housing, jobs and economic growth.<\/p>\n
The RTPI is concerned that a method of assessing infrastructure \u2018need\u2019, based only on existing patterns of demand would risk continued investment in London and the South East at the expense of other areas.<\/p>\n
In its response to the NIC\u2019s consultation on how infrastructure should be assessed and prioritised, the Institute proposes a \u2018feedback loop\u2019 methodology whereby the Commission\u2019s proposals for national infrastructure would invite matching plans from local authorities and developers for major housing growth. These plans would then be fed back into the original needs assessment, allowing the Commission to prioritise and fund infrastructure that would unlock housing.<\/p>\n
James Harris, RTPI Policy and Networks Manager, said: \u2018This is an opportunity for the government to use infrastructure to help solve the housing crisis, bridge the north-south divide in England and tackle climate change. Our approach would ensure infrastructure acts as a catalyst to unlock large scale housing, jobs and economic growth.\u2019<\/p>\n
In its response the RTPI also called on the NIC to:<\/p>\n
The UK Government tasked the NIC with identifying the country\u2019s long-term infrastructure needs, creating a strategic infrastructure vision over a 30-year period and making recommendations for how identified infrastructure needs should be met through the publication of a National Infrastructure Assessment.\u00a0 The NIC\u2019s remit covers the UK; although Scotland and Wales have similar national commissions. The RTPI has called for the NIC to work in conjunction with these bodies to ensure a joined-up approach.<\/p>\n
View the press release<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has raised concerns over the proposed method of assessing infrastructure requirements in a response to the National Infrastructure Commission\u2019s (NIC) consultation. The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) writes: The ability to unlock large housing … Continue reading