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Cross-Boundary Housing Developments
28 November 2024
Lead MP
Peter Bedford
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
Taxation
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Peter Bedford raised concerns about cross-boundary housing developments in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Peter Bedford, the Conservative MP for Mid Leicestershire, raised concerns about cross-boundary planning applications impacting his constituency negatively. His constituency spans three council boundaries: Blaby district council, Charnwood borough council, and Hinckley and Bosworth borough council. The issue arises when one council grants development approvals on its edges that affect the neighbouring area without compensating for the impact. Bedford cited specific examples in Markfield and Glenfield villages where residents felt undermined by decisions made adjacent to their boundaries. He argued that the Government’s approach of increasing housing targets in rural areas while reducing them in cities is unfair, exacerbating cross-boundary tensions. Bedford called for a more collaborative approach from local authorities, including allowing neighbouring councils to have input on development policies and ensuring financial compensation for adversely affected areas.
Josh Newbury
Con
North Shropshire
Josh Newbury agreed that cross-border developments cause complications and cited examples from his constituency, such as the Rugeley power station redevelopment. He highlighted issues like services being strained by an inconsistent council tax base and a democratic deficit for residents split between different councils.
Government Response
Matthew Pennycook, the Labour MP for Greenwich and Woolwich, welcomed Peter Bedford's debate on cross-boundary planning co-operation. He acknowledged that while Leicestershire authorities are at different stages of plan preparation due to delays addressing Leicester city’s unmet need, there is a voluntary collaboration among nine local authorities in Leicester and Leicestershire since 2018 through a non-statutory strategic growth plan. Pennycook noted the challenges with the current planning system that lacks effective mechanisms for cross-boundary strategic planning. He emphasised the Government's commitment to strengthen existing national planning policy framework requirements on co-operation and introduce new legislation for strategic planning, aiming for universal local plan coverage. The Minister highlighted the importance of local plans being in general conformity with sub-regional strategic plans, expecting them to be updated alongside the strategic process. He invited further discussions with Bedford and other MPs as they progress their plans.
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.