Action to help developers during downturn and build greener buildings

摘要

On June 18 John Healey, the Housing Minister, announced that developers would be given more time to start building and further flexibility to adapt plans, under a package of new measures to support the industry during these tough economic times. Mr Healey also announced changes for developers to build to greener standards, making homes cheaper to heat and run. It appears that there has been a sharp drop-off in the number of permissions which are being taken up, so for a temporary period, a simpler and cheaper way of extending the life of planning consent is being introduced. Currently, permissions that are not used expire automatically-usually after three years. If developments can't be built because of economic conditions it could delay economic recovery, as those schemes would have to be reapplied for when conditions pick up.