Gove emphasized the importance of focusing on "opportunity areas," which are areas deemed to have the potential to build at least 2,500 homes but currently only 47 "opportunity areas" have been assessed. He called for the Mayor to submit a report by the end of September to address the pressing issue of housing supply shortages.
Earlier this year, a government-commissioned review report stated that Sadiq Khan's policies "hindered rather than facilitated the delivery of brownfield new homes," further intensifying Gove's criticism of Khan. Gove expressed disappointment among London residents over the Mayor's failure to effectively promote the construction of new homes, noting that the government has taken action, investing billions of pounds in building affordable housing and incorporating brownfield development into long-term housing plans.
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However, Khan and Labour leader Keir Starmer hit back at Gove's remarks, dismissing them as political posturing and smear tactics. They argued that Gove's intervention coincided with Khan's impending announcement of reelection candidacy, suggesting political calculation and character assassination.
Marc Vlessing, representing London property developer Pocket Living, also weighed in on the matter. While acknowledging Gove's effective suggestions on utilizing industrial land and increasing housing plan density, Vlessing believes that simplifying planning permission procedures for residential development on small brownfield sites and providing economically viable housing that meets policy requirements are more crucial. He pointed out that streamlining these procedures could help unlock more potential construction sites, thereby accelerating London's new housing supply.
The entire incident highlights the urgent housing crisis facing London and the divergent views among stakeholders in addressing the issue. Balancing housing demand, planning approvals, and policy implementation will be the key challenges that London's housing policy urgently needs to address in the future.
