RHA: roads investment crucial to meet housebuilding targets

Investment in road infrastructure will be critical to the government’s aim to build 1.5 million new homes over the next five years, according to the Road Haulage Association (RHA).

The association has warned that inadequate roads are currently stymying housing plans. It cites a planned 3,800-home development at Escrick, North Yorkshire which has not progressed due to its potential impact on the A19.

Last year, a proposal for 1,700 new homes in Alderholt, Dorset was rejected because of pressures it would place on a rural road network that was already strained, the RHA added.

The association has called for further investment in critical routes, both on strategic and local networks, to facilitate the housebuilding target. Decision-makers must prioritise projects that connect communities and cut congestion, it argues.

“The road freight and logistics sector will be crucial to meeting the aim of building new homes,” said James Barwise, RHA policy lead.

“Our industry is vital to moving the materials to build houses across the country. Every new home is a new delivery point – so more homes must be matched with an increase in premises and land allocation to service them.

“Housing developments are too often denied planning permission due to underinvestment on the highways network. Poor roads are stopping housing plans.”

Investment announcements would assist with the progress of housing developments and provide local freight and logistics businesses with a “vote of confidence”, the RHA said.

Mr Barwise added: “For the government to meet its ambitious housebuilding targets, there’s a need for urgent investment in our highways network to ensure that housing developments are approved and not at risk of being rejected.

“Only by getting spades in the ground soon to provide a modern and efficient road network, can we meet these housebuilding targets.”