Priestley Group chief executive officer, Nathan Priestley, recently shared his thoughts on unlocking new residential development opportunities with key trade publication, Planning & Building Control Today.
Nathan identified planning difficulties as a major barrier to increasing housebuilding levels. He stated that intelligent new planning reforms, alongside greater focus on regeneration and increased investment in infrastructure, are key to achieving the level of homes needed across the UK.
He said: “In the current political climate, which is unsteady at best, UK leaders must set out a vision for the country. Effective new policies are required to support housing objectives, particularly increasing the quantity and quality of affordable housing stock. This can only be achieved by aiding developers to accelerate housebuilding levels, which requires fundamental changes to the planning system.”
Nathan also discussed the economic potential of the North, which the government must recognise and support. He commented: “As an economic superpower in its own right, the aim of the game is for the North to continue to be a viable equal to the South. It should offer buoyant property and job markets across all towns and cities.
“The Priestley Group has unlocked economic and housing potential in and around the North’s key cities, such as Bradford, Manchester and Leeds, by converting derelict buildings into high-quality residential offerings. This helps to draw talent into areas, pushing them further towards economic success.”
Read the full feature here and follow Nathan Priestley on LinkedIn.