With Dominic Raab settling into his new role as Housing Minister, speaking in Development Finance Today, our National Head of Building Surveying, Gareth Belsham said:
“Former lawyer Dominic Raab has a reputation as a moderniser, which is exactly the shake up the housing market needs. As a younger politician, [Mr Raab] will have friends who have struggled to get on the housing ladder because of chronic under-supply of new homes and market prices.
Above all, the industry is waiting to see if the new minister will free up development by reviewing the log-jammed planning and appeals system allowing extra green-belt developments. Or will he overhaul planning policy, perhaps further extending permitted development opportunities making it easier to convert existing space into homes?
Mr Raab needs to bring consistency, fresh blood and courage to the role – his in-tray is already overflowing.”