Invest in roads to deliver housing plan

The government has confirmed that it will be a "default yes" for housing developments within walking distance of well-connected stations, in changes to the National Planning Policy Framework announced today.

Building near transport hubs makes sense. But you cannot build homes, regenerate communities or grow regional economies without logistics. Housing developments are too often refused planning permission because of underinvestment on the highways network. Poor roads are stopping new housing plans. Where green belt land is released, the golden rules require the right infrastructure to come with it. That must mean roads as well as railway stations.

85% of Britain's goods move by road. Every major housebuilding programme depends on the movement of construction materials, plant, equipment and people. That means HGVs, vans and the wider road transport supply chain. It means reliable roads, proportionate regulation and infrastructure that allows operators to work efficiently.

Every new home is also a new delivery point, so more homes must come with the premises and land to service them.

Only by getting spades in the ground soon to provide an improved, modern and efficient road network can the government meet its housebuilding targets. We stand ready to work with decision-makers at all levels to get this right.