Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Rural Communities: Housing and Planning

20 July 2022 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Ben Everitt Con Milton Keynes North

HousingAgriculture & Rural AffairsLocal Government

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Ben Everitt raised concerns about rural communities: housing and planning in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The MP Ben Everitt emphasised the importance of community-led planning in rural areas.
  • Successful planning involves balancing house building with environmental protection and community engagement.
  • The MP called for reforms to the planning system, including modernisation and digital transformation.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Ben Everitt Con Milton Keynes North

The MP emphasised the importance of community-led planning as a core element of the levelling-up agenda, particularly in rural areas. He highlighted issues such as sustainable housing, appropriate development, affordability, and proportionate growth. Ben Everitt argued that successful planning involves balancing house building with environmental protection and community engagement. He called for reforms to the planning system, including modernisation, digital transformation, investment in education and apprenticeships, and better resource allocation for local authorities. The MP also stressed the need for local leadership to inform policy direction and ensure that communities are not swamped by poorly planned developments.

Other contributors (1)
  • Marcus Jones Con North Wiltshire

    The hon. Gentleman commended Ben Everitt on his speech, agreeing with the need to strengthen and protect rural communities through effective planning.

Government Response

Rosie Winterton

Madam Deputy Speaker, it is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship tonight. I congratulate my hon. Friend Ben Everitt on securing this debate and his thoughtful speech. The Government agree that communities need to be at the heart of the planning process as part of our levelling-up agenda. We are committed to strengthening rural communities while protecting their beauty and encouraging development where it is most needed. Local authorities must undertake a formal period of public consultation prior to any planning applications, ensuring relevant concerns are taken into account. While I cannot comment on specific cases due to the Secretary of State’s quasi-judicial role in the planning system, we share my hon. Friend's commitment to sustainable development and community involvement.

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