Moda call to ‘maintain momentum’ on planning reform
The north of England-based developer has welcomed a funding boost for the UK’s regions – and urged the Government to pick up the pace on planning reforms – in the wake of this week’s budget announcement.
During her autumn statement issued on Wednesday, chancellor Rachel Reeves announced £13bn of funding for devolved regional authorities, set to include £2,5bn for the West Midlands, with plans to roll out integrated settlements to more areas at the next Spending Review in 2028-29.
The four-year funding package is the West Midlands’ first ever multi-year settlement, with regional mayor Richard Parker describing the package as “unprecedented shift in power, money and responsibility” from Westminster to the West Midlands.
The move was welcomed by James Blakey, director of planning at residential developer Moda, who completed their 481-apartment Mercian BTR development in Birmingham during 2022. The firm also launched their 398-unit Loudons Yard residential scheme in Edgbaston earlier this year.
“Housing and transport must go hand in hand to create thriving, future-ready cities, and these pledges will help unlock growth across the region,” he said.
“We also note the investment in Birmingham’s neighbourhood health centres, which will bring care closer to our communities and strengthen the social infrastructure that underpins a city that Moda operates in.
“Moda is proud of its growth in the Midlands and remains committed to delivering sustainable, next-generation rental homes that prioritise wellbeing and technology. We look forward to working with government and partners to turn these ambitions into reality.”
Blakey added that plans to cut regulation and minimise red-tape to speed up the planning process had also been welcomed by the industry at large, but said the government now needed to follow through on its budget commitments.
“These measures are crucial to tackling the housing crisis, and we welcome the commitment to modernise the planning system and embrace technology to speed up delivery,” he added.
“We urge Government to maintain momentum whilst refocusing its efforts on cutting regulation, investing in planning resource and prioritising viability alongside a vibrant private rented residential sector which is so important in delivering the new homes and neighbourhoods the UK so urgently needs.”
