Comment

The Housing Delivery Test: 2020 result publication

Today sees the publication of the 2020 Housing Delivery Test (HDT) measurement following a delay from the scheduled release in November 2020.

The 2020 measurement is the first year where, following the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) transitional arrangements, the highest threshold will apply for the application of the presumption in favour of sustainable development. For LPAs scoring below 75% in the test, the presumption in favour of sustainable development will now be engaged under NPPF Paragraph 11 (Footnote 7).

The thresholds used to determine other HDT consequences remain the same. For LPAs where delivery has fallen below 85%, a 20% buffer must be applied in their calculation of five year housing land supply. For LPAs where delivery has fallen below 95%, the LPA should prepare an action plan to assess the causes of under-delivery, and identify actions to increase delivery in future years.

The HDT results published today indicate the presumption in favour of sustainable development is now engaged in 52 LPAs, with a 20% buffer now applied in 18 LPAs, and an Action Plan required in 31 LPAs.

The Government’s HDT methodology has been adapted for the 2020 measurement to account for housing delivery reductions during national lockdown. The number of ‘homes required’ within the 2019/2020 monitoring year has accordingly been reduced by a month, to take account for this. The results will apply until the publication of the next test results, which are scheduled for November 2021.

The full HDT results are summarised in the below PDF:

Please get in touch with Jonathan Dodd should you have any queries on the HDT or the application of the HDT in your region.

19 January 2021