Peter Freeman

Robert Jenrick appoints Peter Freeman as new chair of Homes England



Housing secretary Robert Jenrick has confirmed Peter Freeman as the new chair of Homes England.


In his new role, Peter will help deliver the secretary of state’s vision for housing, drive the delivery of new homes and infrastructure to support economic recovery, and ensure opportunities to access decent, secure, and affordable homes for everyone.

Under Peter’s leadership, Homes England will also continue to support smaller builders to maintain the diversity and the resilience of the housebuilding sector, with plans underway to improve access to land and funding for smaller firms.

Homes England will also aid the secretary of state’s commitment to increase the use of modern methods of construction (MMC) by including MMC criteria in the distribution of funding to housing associations.

This will form part of Homes England's delivery of the  of the new Affordable Homes Programme outside London, which is designed to increase homes for affordable ownership and rent.

Peter is a co-founder of the property developer Argent, and is known as one of the visionaries behind the revival of King’s Cross, as well as major developments in Birmingham and Manchester.

The three-year appointment follows a hearing by the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee on 12th October, which endorsed his suitability for the role.

Peter’s unique experience and expertise will also boost Homes England’s placemaking partnerships with councils, in which Homes England provides investment and expert support to help deliver more homes and the local infrastructure that supports them.

Jenrick said: “…Peter has a track record of world-class regeneration and it is this, along with his drive to create places [where] people want to live, that makes him the best person to support our ambitious housing agenda.

“We will work closely on our shared goal to deliver more homes of high-quality design and environmental standards, with green spaces, new parks close at hand, and tree-lined streets . . . all as part of creating communities that people want to be a part of.”

Commenting on his appointment, Peter said: “Homes England has a vital role to play in improving the lives of all those affected by the housing crisis by providing land, investment and expertise to accelerate housebuilding.

“Based on my own experience, I strongly believe that we can deliver the necessary quantity, quality and variety of housing that is needed, while creating homes where people can enjoy a real sense of belonging to vibrant communities.”

Nick Walkley, chief executive at Homes England, said he was delighted to welcome Peter as the new chair at “an important time” for the housing sector.

“I know that everyone here will be energised by the knowledge and experience that he brings,” he added.

Nick also thanked the interim chief, Simon Dudley — who will continue as the senior independent director of the Homes England board — for his work during “very challenging times”.



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