Bertie Ballinger is the Deputy Chairman for Fundraising of the Worcester Conservatives.
The UK faces a pressing challenge: the need for more homes alongside a dusty to protect the natural environment. Conservative policy must address both. While the party has yet to publish a detailed housing strategy since the 2024 general election, a clear direction is emerging – one that balances growth with sustainability, safeguarding biodiversity, and delivering genuine affordable homes.
Labour have argued recently and told the Environment agency that environmental protections and biodiversity net gain are simply bureaucratic hurdles to cut, instead of the essential foundations of a healthy housing strategy that they are. Labour argued that bureaucracy needs to be cut, but there are already 1 million homes with planning permissions. The issue with environmental protections, but the developers. Aamonn Boylan, Chief Executive of Homes England, has highlighted the problem of viability, noting that some schemes are environmentally sound and well-planned but simply not commercially deliverable for the developers. The Conservative approach should help developers overcome these financial barriers through targeted incentives, infrastructure support and streamlined planning – without weakening environmental standards.
There is encouraging news that the current environmental planning protections are working – Philip Duffy, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency observed that developers are increasingly recognising the value of maintaining habitats on site, suggesting that strong environmental rules can produce greener outcomes while providing financial and planning certainty. Environmental responsibility is central to economic and social policy. Housing that damages biodiversity is not truly affordable; it simply passes on hidden costs to future generations.
The housing shortage in the UK is undeniable. Demand continues to outstrip supply, driving prices beyond the reach of many. The average UK house now costs £299.331, with new builds averaging £427,143. This gap shows the market favours larger, expensive properties, leaving first-time buyers and single households struggling. Whole some new build prices have recently fallen; supply remains too tight. The Conservative party needs to develop some plans that can guide developers towards building homes people can afford, not just those that they prefer to build.
Sprawling new suburbs that encroach on green fields are no longer sustainable and are constantly at adds with locals looking to retain their countryside. Instead, the focus should be on building up. Building well-designed mid-rise developments in towns and cities. Higher density housing near transport hubs reduces car dependency, cuts emissions, and preserves the countryside. Prioritising brownfield sites and urban regeneration also aligns with the Conservative principles of protecting England’s natural heritage.
A coherent Conservative housing policy could maintain environmental protections while making houses more affordable and diverse. Developers should include more one and two bed homes to meet the needs of first-time buyers, young families, and older downsizers. Infrastructure support streamlined approvals for environmentally sound projects, and incentives for building smaller homes can improve market viability. Ensuring that new developments come with reliable public transport, energy-efficient utilities, and sustainable drainage systems will make these homes attractive and resilient.
This approach is not about deregulation but smarter regulation that rewards sustainable building and protects natural assets. By committing to build-up, not out, the Conservatives have the opportunity to tackle the housing crisis while staying true to values of stewardship and pragmatism. A forward-looking policy can deliver both plentiful, affordable homes and a thriving natural environment.
At the Conservative Party Conference, I hope to see news on homes and house building. A Conservative policy is needed for us to campaign for and bring voters back to the party. I’d like the following answered at the conference:
- How will the Conservative Party ensure that housing growth targets are met without weakening biodiversity net gain requirements?
- What specific measures will you propose to improve the financial viability of environmentally sustainable developments?
- Will you commit to a “brownfield first” strategy and support mid-rise urban development over suburban sprawl?
- How will the next Conservative government tackle the looming water supply crisis highlighted by the Environment Agency?
- What incentives will you offer developers to build smaller, more affordable one- and two-bedroom homes rather than focusing on higher-margin large houses?
