At a Glance
- Around 1.4 million approved homes remain unbuilt, according to IPPR analysis
- Petition calls for build-out deadlines and “use it or lose it” planning rules
- Proposals include stronger penalties for stalled developments
- Campaigners say focus should be on delivery, not releasing more land
- 10,000 signatures triggers a Government response; 100,000 could lead to debate
A petition calling for action on unbuilt housing developments has sparked renewed debate around how the UK meets its housing needs.
The petition, based on analysis by the IPPR think tank, claims that around 1.4 million homes granted planning permission since 2007 have not yet been built.
Campaigners behind the petition argue that housing demand should be met by ensuring delivery on existing approved developments, rather than releasing additional land for construction.
They are calling on the Government to introduce a series of reforms, including mandatory build-out timeframes, stronger penalties for stalled sites, “use it or lose it” planning permissions, strengthened compulsory purchase powers, and further action to bring long-term empty homes back into use.
Supporters of the petition also raise concerns about current planning policy under the National Planning Policy Framework, which they say is placing pressure on local authorities to allocate additional land, including greenfield and green belt sites, to meet housing targets.
The petition reflects a wider national discussion about housing delivery, land use, and how best to balance development with protection of the countryside.