Angela Rayner Challenges ‘Beautiful’ Housing Rule, Advocates for Unhindered Development

Angela Rayner Criticizes 'Beautiful' Housing Rule for Halting Development

The Deputy Prime Minister argued that the Conservative policy was overly subjective and noted that existing regulations already safeguard community interests.

Political correspondent @NifS

Wednesday, July 31, 2024, 5:

Angela Rayner has justified her choice to exclude the term "beautiful" from Labour's housing strategy, arguing that the word was "hindering and obstructing development."

The previous Conservative administration incorporated the provision into planning regulations, with the then housing secretary Michael Gove stating that it was designed to foster community backing for new initiatives.

However, his successor, who now serves as the deputy prime minister, criticized the inclusion of the clause as "ridiculous," noting that there are sufficient existing rules and protections. He added, "The notion that I'm going to construct numerous unattractive homes is simply false."

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On Tuesday, Ms. Rayner unveiled her overhaul of the planning system, which includes the reintroduction of compulsory housing quotas for England. These had previously been eliminated by Mr. Gove following opposition from Conservative backbenchers.

She committed to constructing 1.5 million new homes within the next five years and stated that new regulations would mandate that half of all new housing be affordable.

She encountered criticism from shadow housing secretary Kemi Badenoch, who charged her with approving the construction of millions of "unattractive houses."

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The Conservative contender remarked, "Individuals are entitled to reside in attractive dwellings, and the indifference of the Labour Party towards this matter clearly reflects their approach to policy formation."

When questioned on BBC Radio 2 regarding the criticisms, Ms. Rayner responded, "This is absurd. The term 'beautiful' is incredibly subjective. However, within the existing planning guidelines, there are numerous criteria that ensure developments are consistent with the local area."

"This concerns safeguarding natural environments and ensuring people can reach these areas. It's about ensuring that structures are secure, provide warmth, and are environmentally sustainable."

"There are various standards and regulations that developers must adhere to, but what does 'beautiful' truly mean? The term 'beautiful' is subjective, holding different meanings for different people."

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The housing secretary asserted that what is often termed as "ugly" housing had been overlooked in the former administration's strategies.

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She also noted, "As I mentioned, the language used was only hindering and obstructing progress, which is why we believe it's overly subjective."

"Indeed, the established regulations require that there be a consultation process, adherence to standards concerning the appearance and safety of the structures, and that they harmonize with the local surroundings, such as using Yorkshire brick in our mill town areas, among other specifics."

"Different regions interpret it differently, leading to the establishment of specific regulations and safeguards."

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