London Tory in attack on 'interfering' new housing rules

A London Tory council leader today slammed “interfering” ministers for planning new rules which might force local authorities to approve thousands of new homes.

Richmond council leader Nick True said the rules were only the latest attempt by planning minister Nick Boles to meddle in council affairs.

The new guidelines will see councils taking account of house prices, local wages and the cost of renting for the first time when deciding how many new homes to approve.

As Mr Boles prepares to issue the guidelines this week, Lord True said: “We will need to look at the details. However, there are many people that believe a period of silence from Mr Boles would be welcome. There is too much government interfering.”

Council officers will keep track of house prices and rents and then apply an “affordability test”. If they rise too high the council will have a duty to increase housing supply.

It could mean more new developments, and even previously vetoed ones, being given the go-ahead. Rick Blakeway, London’s deputy mayor for housing, said: “Obviously there is a critical need to deliver housing in London. We particularly need affordable housing. We will look at the detail of the guidance that is published.”

Government figures show London house prices soaring, rising eight per cent to a record average of £425,000 in June compared with a rise of one per cent outside the South-East.

A recent report said rental costs have gone up from 21 per cent of household income in 2001/02 to 27 per cent in 2010/11. The proportion of people renting in London privately has also increased from 18 per cent two years ago to 25 per cent.

Mr Boles said more housing was needed to make homes affordable for ordinary people.

“Just as there is a legal obligation for authorities to provide school places and healthcare to everyone who needs it, so too they must now provide affordable homes,” he told The Sun. “House prices are out of reach for many.”