Planning and housing speculation
Deputy Boyd Barrett argued that property speculation, not residents' objections, was hindering housing delivery and pointed to a large gap between apartment permissions and completions. The Minister rejected that framing, said submissions were not being restricted, and outlined measures including zoned land tax, vacant property tax and land value sharing.
Why does the Government continue to repeat the false mantra that objections by residents groups to planning applications, rather than the speculation of property investors are the cause of the housing crisis and the slow delivery of housing and residential development, particularly when a Government report says that it is speculation? The report, published in July, shows 75,000 planning permission applications for apartments, but only 5,000 apartments are being built annually. It explains that this "could indicate the speculative purchasing and holding of land with a view to greater future resale value", acquiring planning permissions to hold as an asset. It goes on to say that "acquiring permission for apartment development, rather than housing developments, could be the most attractive option for speculative land holders and thus yield the most amount of value". Why does the Government not target the speculators instead of limiting people's right to make submissions on planning applications?
Comment on this
We are not limiting the right of people to make submissions on planning applications. I am sure the Deputy will engage in the pre-legislative scrutiny process that will get under way when the bill is published. The Government has taken a multipronged approach to tackling the housing crisis. On the issue of speculators and hoarding and so on, as the Deputy has described it, a zoned land tax is being introduced. There is also a vacant property tax. Yesterday, the Cabinet approved the general scheme of a land value sharing levy or tax as well. The Government is addressing all of those issues, in addition to scaling up the investment through our local authorities and approved housing bodies, putting in place new affordable housing streams to increase supply. However, there is no getting away from the fact that we do need to reform our planning system. We have a choice to make. We can come in and complain about the lack of housing-----
Comment on this
There is no evidence in that document - not a single mention of planning.
Comment on this
-----and stand behind the system that clearly needs improvement.