Santander on Planning and Infrastructure Bill: 'The government must make sure they meet the population's wider needs beyond building homes'

11 March 2025

Graham Sellar, Head of Santander for Intermediaries, Santander UK:

“Today’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill is a long-awaited and welcome approach to how the Government aims to achieve its housebuilding and infrastructure targets. It’s critical that its ambition is paired with action. In addition to considering fundamental issues such as affordability constraints, which play a key role in preventing would-be homeowners getting a foot onto the housing ladder, it’s important the Government understands the broader needs of the population beyond just building more homes. Our recent research around New Towns showed that while over 85% of brokers are seeing an uplift in client interest in New Town developments, brokers report that clients are looking beyond just roofs over their heads. Among those expressing interest in New Towns, nine in ten brokers say access to medical facilities is crucial for their clients, other key factors include access to quality schools (88%) and robust transport links (87%).

“While we recognise the role that we as a lender can play to support more people get onto the housing ladder, such as by offering up to 95% LTVs on new build houses and flats and accepting financial incentives on all LTV borrowing, we must simultaneously grasp this opportunity to build the infrastructure needed, at pace, to deliver the full potential of the Bill’s ambition.”