Mims Davies MP has made a number of approaches to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) on housing numbers and planning issues so welcomed the Secretary of State's announcement which puts communities at the heart of the planning system.
Housing targets need to be fit for purpose, meeting the whole country's needs but most importantly being fair on Mid Sussex. There will be a consultation on how housing targets can better take into account of local density.
Key reforms include:
- Housing numbers will be an advisory starting point, not mandatory, allowing local authorities to determine how many homes can actually be built
- Instructing the Planning Inspectorate to not override sensible local decision making which reflects local constraints and concerns
- Removing the requirement for a ‘five-year land supply’ where a Council’s Local Plan is up to date
- Consulting on areas proposed to be in scope of the new National Development Management Policies-each new policy will be consulted on before it is brought forward
- New Infrastructure Levy to be set locally by local planning authorities, giving them the ability to set different Levy rates in different areas-for example, lower rates on brownfield over greenfield to increase potential for brownfield development
Commenting, Mims said: “In Westminster I made it clear Mid Sussex truly pulls its weight on planning consents with around 1,000 new homes being built each year to meet local housing and the commercial job sites it needs and ensure young people and families have the opportunities they need to get on in life. This was never about being a ‘NIMBY’ area.
It was clear however we must also strike a better balance in matching the genuine and growing constraints and environmental concerns that exist in our area due to the demands we have already met. I’ve worked hard to get the message across to Ministers on behalf of constituents and our Council that we need to find a long-term better balance on how we grow suitably and meet housing need. I’m delighted the Government has listened to the strong views of people across our area and is rightly acting on reducing pressure from growing top-down housing targets which have been a real challenge to meet while keeping our area special due to the significant local constraints.
These key new reforms will help the Council keep its District Plan up to date with the boosted regeneration focus and look to protect our communities which has also been a focus for MSDC in having an up-to-date plan which other nearby councils have shirked from. Meaning a plethora of uncontrolled development on our borders adding to the dismay.
I encourage people to have their say in the current consultation so the Council can positively plan for the future bringing residents voices into the next stage of our plan so it’s deliverable and welcomed. Particularly with the new infrastructure levy which will mean people can support better the needs of our communities rather than what developers decide”.
The full details can be found here: Written statements - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament
