The government’s goal of building 1.5 million new homes is ambitious, but it’s the kind of ambition needed to address the country’s housing crisis. The proposed changes to planning policy in the recent National Planning Policy Framework consultation offer a promising start—not just in boosting the number of homes, but in providing social housing solutions, curbing speculative land value increases, and promoting sustainable transport and green spaces.

However, increasing housing numbers alone isn’t enough. History shows that rapid construction, without long-term planning for sustainability and community wellbeing, often leads to poor outcomes. As we embark on this national initiative, we must remember that these homes will shape lives for decades to come.