The deputy prime minister's plan to provide 200,000 extra homes in the South-east by 2016 could end in disaster, according to a Commons inquiry.
A report by the Commons select committee for transport, environment and the regions says the Communities Plan has not been properly thought through and could have disastrous environmental and financial implications.

Sustainable Communities in the South-east warns that infrastructure needs in the four housing growth areas could produce a £20bn bill over the next 30 years. It says the impact of mass housebuilding on natural resources and the provision of water to new homes have not been properly considered and calls for specific affordable housing targets to inform government funding plans.

Edward Davey, Liberal Democrat shadow for the ODPM, added to the report's criticisms by claiming that a vital flood risk assessment in the Thames Gateway, the main growth area, had yet to be completed. He said: "This is a classic example of government putting the announcement before the analysis."

Sharon Hedges, National Housing Federation policy officer for the South, said: "It is significant the committee recognises that the provision of affordable housing has fallen below regional planning guidance targets."

An ODPM spokesman said: "The select committee seems to have misunderstood the Communities Plan. Its aim is to create sustainable communities. As the plan makes clear, this means building infrastructure."

Source

Housing Today