Commission launched by thinktank Radix and law firm Shoosmiths wants submissions from experts in the planning, development and housing sectors

A commission looking into addressing housing shortages in England led by economist Kate Barker has issued a call for evidence from the sector.

Dame_Kate_Barker

Source: Gov.uk

Dame Kate Barker describes it as “depressing” that many of the problems she identified in her 2004 review remain, and emphasises that a “pragmatic overthink is overdue”. 

The Radix Housing Commission, launched by thinktank Radix and law firm Shoosmiths, wants experts involved in planning, development and housing to submit evidence and ideas through its new website.

The commission is looking into four themes: how to free up more land for development; the role of specialist housing; approaches to sustainability and retrofit; and ensuring affordability. It will publish discussion papers on each theme and then publish final proposals after the general election.

A total of 15 commissioners will conduct the inquiry (see below).

>>See also: Housing Today calls for affordable housing funding review and planning overhaul

Barker in March, described it as “depressing” that many of the problems she identified in her 2004 review into housing supply remain, and emphasised that a “pragmatic overthink is overdue”.

The Commission members

Dame Kate Barker CBE (chair), chair of the 2004 ‘Barker Review’ on Housing Supply and the subsequent review on Land Use Planning (2006); author of Housing: Where’s the Plan (2014), non-exec Director at Taylor Wimpey plc and formerly member of the National Infrastructure Commission

Lord Richard Best, social housing leader and member of House of Lords Built Environment Committee

Richard Blyth, head of policy at the Royal Town Planning Institute

Paul Brocklehurst, chair of the Land, Planning and Development Federation and former head of Catesby Estates

Tom Chance, CEO, Community Land Trust Network

Rick de Blaby, CEO, Get Living

Melissa Mean, director at WeCanMake, a community-based project to create affordable homes by unlocking micro-sites for development

Alexandra Notay, placemaking and investment director at Thriving Investments, and Independent Board Commissioner on the UK government’s Geospatial Commission

Elsie Owusu, founding chair of the Society of Black Architects

Vicky Pryce, chair of Radix Fellows and leading economist

Ben Rich, CEO, Radix Big Tent and former secretary to Lord Rogers’ Urban Taskforce

Jackie Sadek, director at Urban Strategy and urban regeneration expert

Andrew Taylor FRTPI, group planning director at Vistry Group

Lisa Tye, partner and living sector co-head at Shoosmiths

Doreen Wright, commercial director at A2Dominion Group

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