Future of the Planning System in England

Acknowledged the work of the Committee and invited Clive Betts to visit his two planning authorities to ensure that green areas around towns like Worthing are protected from development. Emphasised the importance of local councillors in the planning process and highlighted the absence of non-housing development considerations such as commercial, religious, sports, and children's facilities.

Thanked Clive Betts for his statement and praised him for his tireless work on producing the report. He questioned whether the Government’s approach to permitted development undermines their policy objectives in the planning White Paper, particularly concerning local and neighbourhood plans.

Responded to questions regarding the detailed zoning of growth areas, emphasising that such zones need to be subject to full public consultation and must clearly define aspects like height and density. He also highlighted the importance of retaining statutory notice requirements for planning applications to ensure transparency, equality, and local democracy.

Asked about the concerns regarding zoning areas within a local authority area without much scrutiny at the local planning stage. He emphasised that such zones should be subject to full public consultation with clear boundaries defined for height, density and other aspects of development.

Welcomed the report's work on retaining statutory notice requirements in physical form, such as local newspapers or lamp posts, alongside digital arrangements to avoid exclusion for those without digital access.

Commented on the housing needs formula and suggested that a revised approach should consider affordability and housing mix. He highlighted how the current formula would lead to a staggering increase in housing numbers in areas like the Cotswolds.

Emphasised the importance of ensuring that individuals can still comment on individual planning proposals. She also questioned how provisions in the proposed planning Bill and Environment Bill would work together to safeguard natural environment and biodiversity.

Acknowledged constituents' concerns about disproportionate share of housing, quality, environmental impact, affordability, and infrastructure support. Highlighted the challenge in ensuring public voice on these issues is not lost in reforms.

Called for tackling excessive second home ownership in holiday areas like Cumbria, which can rob communities of a permanent population. He suggested making holiday lets and second homes a different category of planning use to protect these communities.

Welcomed the report's emphasis on continuing involvement for elected representatives and local communities in shaping their areas. Questioned about increasing the supply of qualified planners, given many local authorities struggle with staffing levels.

Congratulates the Chair of the Committee on a comprehensive report about the Government's levelling-up agenda and net zero commitments. Asks whether the White Paper includes enough detail regarding these two issues.

Responds by stating that neither climate change nor levelling up is mentioned in the White Paper, highlighting concerns over changes to the housing needs formula and potential difficulties for cities in meeting housing requirements without building on green belts. Also mentions a reduction in support from Homes England.

Thanks the Chair of the Select Committee for his statement and responses, then announces a suspension for three minutes due to covid protection measures.