The Planning Bill - Various Lords Amendments

Clarifies that there is no financial privilege engagement in the Lords' message and presents several Government motions to disagree with or insist on certain amendments from the House of Lords, but does not take a stance for or against specific proposals.

Argues that the Bill introduces centralising measures that extend Whitehall control into local authorities. He expresses concern over the prioritisation of greenfield sites and urges the Government to prioritise brownfield development instead, especially in light of mayoral powers granted by the Bill.

Intervenes during David Simmonds' speech to express concern about developers trying to argue that greenfield sites are ripe for development due to Government planning changes. She worries this will have a detrimental effect on local communities and the environment.

Intervenes to congratulate David Simmonds, agrees with his comments about the cabinet model making councillorship more accessible, and points out that multi-year funding for local councils is a positive aspect of the Government's approach.

Raises concerns about the agent of change principle, which requires existing venues like music clubs to deal with legal challenges from new residents in residential developments. He cites a case in his constituency where such a venue faced closure threats due to lack of protections.

Supports Government amendment (a) to Lords amendment 2, which adds coastal communities to the list of strategic competences. Argues that development should follow a 'brownfield first' principle and criticises government resistance to practical measures for sustainable growth. Advocates for local authority governance chosen democratically by their communities rather than dictated from central Government.

Agrees that embedding rural affairs at the heart of strategic authorities will ensure that rural communities are no longer overlooked or left behind, highlighting their distinct needs and challenges.

Celebrates Government's acceptance of Liberal Democrats' calls to add both rural and coastal affairs as competences required for strategic mayoral authority, providing reassurance that governance will be meaningfully devolved.

Supports the amendments on brownfield first and Secretary of State’s powers regarding combined authorities. Emphasises the importance of consulting local communities, especially in Cornwall's case, due to cultural and language designations that require special consideration for devolution.

Supports Andrew George's concerns about Cornwall’s unique status in the process of devolution, highlighting the importance of proper consultation with local communities.

The speaker requested leeway to speak about Lords amendments 98 and 98A, referencing their direct impact on Cornwall's devolution experience. He suggests that these amendments are crucial for protecting Cornwall’s national minority status.

The speaker acknowledged the relevance of the amendments to Cornwall's experience and allowed the discussion to proceed, without taking a stance on the specific amendment.

Intervened to highlight that small venues in her constituency are vital for the visitor economy and developing talent, using Ramsgate Music Hall as an example. Emphasised the importance of these venues for cultural events such as Eurovision.

Emphasised the cultural significance of Redruth, Cornwall, highlighting Mick Fleetwood from Fleetwood Mac as an example. Agreed with the need to protect grassroots music venues for cultural diversity.

Agreed that the amendments would bring clarity and make it easier for planning committees to operate, providing reassurance to music venues and nightclubs. Highlighted the importance of protecting cultural venues for community development.

Supports Lords amendment 37, which aims to strengthen town and parish councils as unitary authorities take decision-making further away from local people. Emphasises that these hyper-local democratic structures are essential for effective devolution and ensure unique community needs are met beyond those covered by larger unitary authorities. Expresses disappointment in the lack of progress on alternative structures and highlights how funding has focused on statutory services, leaving valued facilities to be supported by volunteers. Argues that local accountability is crucial.

Defends the Local Government Bill as devolving powers to regional and local levels, refutes claims of centralisation. Highlights provisions for strengthening community governance structures and ensuring that strategic authorities support diverse communities including rural and coastal areas. Argues against imposing a specific neighbourhood governance model on communities, instead promoting flexibility for local decision-making.

Caroline Nokes reminded the Minister to confine her remarks to the Bill and the Lords amendments, emphasising the importance of local consent for devolutionary powers. She stressed that lines drawn on maps in Whitehall rarely work effectively.

Polly Billington stated her pleasure at hearing Caroline Nokes's remarks and reiterated the importance of local consent for devolutionary powers. She noted that lines drawn on maps in Whitehall rarely work effectively.

Gareth Snell questioned how local consent would be ensured when some areas might have a few intransigent board members blocking progress despite majority support for combined authorities. He asked about the Government’s role in such situations.

Andrew George mentioned that local authorities in areas like Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly want to press on with devolution faster than the Government allows. He asked the Minister to account for this discrepancy.