The British authorities have chosen to postpone the unveiling of a revised National Planning Framework (NPF) until they receive new demographic data. This strategic planning tool, which guides the nation’s housing needs, was originally set for a revision in April following its first statutory review that kicked off in June last year.
This move comes hot on the heels of private consultations with ministers, where it was revealed that due to a forecasted surge in population, an extra 120,000 homes might be required by the end of this decade. The NPF 2018 is instrumental in laying out top-tier strategies for national development and planning for the next two decades, focusing on aligning with the expected population growth.
Tuesday saw the Housing Department announce a delay until around June for the draft revision, as it awaits supplementary demographic and population projection data from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). A report was subsequently presented to Darragh O’Brien, the Minister for Housing, last September, comprising insights from specialists in environmental protection, social and economic development, and spatial planning.
Various stakeholders have participated in the review process, which includes social and community bodies, environmental organisations, industry, and councillors. Yet, critical demographic information needed for updating the strategy is not accessible, leading to the impending April deadline being missed.
The department revealed, in a statement, that the crucial census-based demographic and housing information was postponed in 2021 due to the global pandemic, significantly influencing the delay in NPF revisions.
An assignment has been given to the ESRI to update its earlier population growth projection towards 2040, shedding light on the anticipated structural housing demand. Though anticipated for publication in April, the ESRI’s research finalisation will push the NPF’s draft revision to at least June.
The process will then likely move towards public consultation and an amendment stage in August before final document publication in September. Last year, it was disclosed that ministers had received a private warning about probable necessity for an additional 120,000 homes by 2030 due to the surging population. Opposition members have previously cited housing targets as being too low to match this demand.
The assembly deliberated on earlier predictions suggesting that the population may hit 5.7 million by 2040, but this milestone could be achieved a decade sooner. The ESRI now forecasts an additional 300,000 residents in the State by 2030, surpassing previous expectations.
Housing for All’s current objectives include the building of 33,000 homes annually until 2030.
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