Reform UK plans to abolish affordable housing requirements on brownfield sites outside of five major cities

According to a policy paper on reform of the planning system, the party plans to introduce a reform planning bill, together with changes to existing legislation and national planning policy to “accelerate brownfield development, build-up in existing urban areas, and constrain greenfield construction”.   In London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds and Bristol, residential developments of twenty or more homes would require 5% on-site affordable housing or a payment equivalent to 10% for off-site provision.  Community Infrastructure Levy and all other Section 106 financial obligations would be removed from brownfield residential developments.  Environmental, biodiversity and habitats requirements would also no longer apply to brownfield schemes, while permitted development rights would be expanded.