Mims Davies MP comments on Labour's National Planning Policy Framework announcement
From today, local District councils will have 12 weeks to ensure new local plans are up-to-date. As a result of the Labour Government’s revised National Planning Policy Framework, which disappointingly introduced centralised mandatory housing targets for our area, requiring Green Belt reviews, and increasing the number of years for which authorities must demonstrate a housing land supply as announced by the Housing Minister in the House of Commons. I was in the Chamber on behalf of constituents to hear what this much trialled outcome would be for our communities.
The National Planning Policy Framework sets out the Government’s planning policies for England and how these should be applied. It provides a framework within which locally-prepared plans can provide for housing and other development in a sustainable manner.
Preparing and maintaining up-to-date plans should be seen as a priority in meeting this objective. Mid Sussex has one, however, it is currently under review in its updated form, for its second 5 year approval after it being brought forward in the administration under the Conservatives under Leader at the time Cllr Gary Wall. Meanwhile, Lewes and Wealden are under additional stress to step up their plan making process which is creating additional uncertainty with unplanned developments all across the area.
It’s really important to see what happens next as nobody can live in unbuilt out planning permissions and the undeveloped current approved homes, which our area is also affected by. Development must be the right place, with the right infrastructure and help those onto the housing ladder where we can. The Autumn Budget brought changes to stamp duty locking new home ownership out for another group of first home owners.
More below:
Mims Davies MP said:
Today we had Labour's National Planning Policy Framework announced.
I have already had numerous concerned constituents, pressure groups and local parishes get in touch; they are aghast at where we are and are determined to share their resounding fears of the impact of these potential reforms.
Whilst having adequate housing is absolutely necessary, especially for the next generation, it is crucial to ensure the correct spaces are used. However, bulldozing through our special countryside and concrete over it and not go with the brownfield sites first is unacceptable.
Back in September I wrote to the Secretary of State on NPPF/Planning Consultation as this is so crucial, particularly for my constituency.
As the MP for East Grinstead, Uckfield and the villages, I am always trying to raise issues on behalf of the brilliant communities we have here in EGU about this Government's approach to housebuilding and to share my response to the recent proposed reforms to the NPPF and other changes to the planning system consultation.
Kevin Hollinrake MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, said:
Wherever Labour have been in power, they consistently fail to deliver on housebuilding. This will be no different as they have already cut targets in London and refuse to repeal defective EU laws holding up tens of thousands of homes across the country.
The Conservatives delivered over a million homes in the last Parliament, but it is vital that even more are built in the right places with the right infrastructure
Labour will bulldoze through the concerns of local communities. If Labour really want homes to be built where they are needed, they must think again.
