After hearing from numerous constituents, some of our Parishes and Cllrs and collating their views I have written to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, the Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, as well as the Minister for State for Housing, the Rt Hon Stuart Andrew MP, in order to convey the deep concerns of Councillors and my constituents about the latest District Plan required 'update' to meet the housing requirements in our area. The asks are unsustainable and unacceptable.
I feel we urgently need to see the current National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) reflects the new Environment Act to get this right and make sure the impossible constraints we have across Mid Sussex for this housing demand are fully understood. Nobody is against new housing in the right place with the right infrastructure and amenities. New homes are welcome if they come without damage to our heritage and green gaps.
Within my letter, I made it very clear that the current local district plan required 'update' would have irreversible damage on our rural areas, our villages, our precious green spaces, and our communities' way of life. I believe we need to look again at how we can meet housing targets locally and across the UK, and give more control to local councils to meet realistic targets through an approach which does not result in significant changes and developments in our constituency that will change our area for ever, clog our roads and cause the upset and dismay this current process does.
I have attached my letter below, and would encourage you all to read it. I hope this highlights my own commitment to seeing an acceptable and well supported updated local plan which protects us from hostile unplanned development. The update must be one like the MSDC 2018 one, a plan which best serves both the communities in Mid Sussex and the need for any housing in our constituency.
If you would like to back this letter and add your voice and get regular updates on this and other local matters please email me on; mims.davies.mp@parliament.uk and we will keep you updated by email, letter or my regular newsletter.