I am passionate about building affordable homes for first time buyers and seeing the country deliver affordable homes of all tenures.
Here are a small number of news articles where I am quoted:
“The government’s regulation and rhetoric threatens the viability of sites” – Housing Today – 12 May 2022
Ministers’ focus on quality over quantity could increase costs, hit delivery and make it harder for smaller builders to flourish, argues James Thomson.
“Gleeson Homes: The affordable housing challenge in 2022” – Showhouse – March 2022
James Thomson, Chief Executive at Gleeson Homes, said: “The macro-economic climate has proved challenging in recent years with Brexit and the pandemic causing ongoing uncertainty. Rises in house and energy prices, not to mention inflationary pressures, mean that having a strong supply of affordable housing will be critical in allowing lower income households and key workers access to the property market.
“Owning property has a range of benefits, including allowing people to save more by avoiding paying rents, while investing in their future through owning a house. It is Gleeson’s mission to provide affordable housing in the North and the Midlands to encourage a greater deal of financial independence for these consumers.” Read full article here.
“MJ Gleeson is on track to complete 2,000 affordable homes this year as it offers first time buyers a way out of ‘renting trap'” Yorkshire Post – 10 February 2022
MJ Gleeson said the planning system remained an area of concern, as highlighted in a recent report from the Built Environment Committee.
“The report calls for urgent reform including better resourced local planning authorities, and clear and transparent local plans,” the company said. “These views are widely shared by the industry and, without some level of investment, delays in the planning system will continue to limit the supply of consented land and risks holding back housing delivery.” Read full article here.
“Levelling Up White Paper promises new £1.5bn fund for SME housebuilders” Showhouse – February 2022
James Thomson, CEO, Gleeson Homes said: “The Government’s levelling up strategy will only accelerate delivery of much needed affordable homes for first time buyers if significant steps are also taken to tackle the major issues we face and which are impacting our ability to deliver much needed houses. At its heart, we have a planning system which is creating long delays and increasing costs for builders, particularly in areas designated for regeneration. Read full article here.
“Levelling Up – the industry reacts to White Paper” – The Negotiator – 3 February 2022
The levelling up agenda must prioritise affordability and supporting people on low incomes, getting them out of the rent trap, onto the housing ladder. Read full article here.
“Developers line up for environmental battle with Natural England” – The Telegraph 15 January 2022
House builders are fighting back against restrictions that are holding back construction of new dwellings. Read full article here.
“Launch of Planning for the future consultation to reform the planning system” – Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government press release – 6 August 2020
James Thomson, CEO of Gleeson Homes, said: We strongly support the reform of our historic planning system, to bring it up to speed and ensure it is fit for purpose for the modern-day. In particular, we welcome initiatives to make it more transparent, speed up planning where appropriate and has a presumption towards development rather than against. The renewed commitment to building 300,000 new homes a year is an important goal and will be aided by these new initiatives. Read full release here.