Housing LIN Viewpoint 110: Some thoughts on building 1.5m new dewllings by July 2029

Roger Hawkins, a former town planner and housing officer, reflects on the ambitious goal of building 1.5 million homes by 2029.

Drawing from decades of practical experience, he warns that large-scale construction demands strong planning, tested designs, and skilled personnel, all of which are currently in short supply. He cautions against unproven innovation, fragmented design approaches, and the loss of local knowledge. Infrastructure, climate resilience, and labour shortages must be urgently addressed.

Hawkins calls for early, coordinated action from professionals, government bodies, and training institutions. Without serious preparation, the nation risks repeating past mistakes. Read on to find out more about his suggestions, including expanding the plan to 2.5 million homes over ten years.