Maria Miller, MP for Basingstoke, highlighted the significant changes made by the Government to the national planning policy framework (NPPF), granting local authorities greater autonomy in setting house building targets. She noted that her local authority, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, had published a draft plan reflecting these new freedoms but was still reliant on the standard method for determining housing needs. Miller emphasised the unique challenges faced by Basingstoke due to its rapid population growth and ageing demographics, arguing that the council should use the NPPF’s provisions on 'exceptional circumstances' to justify reducing house building levels. She also mentioned local residents' groups such as Clean Air Green Environment (CAGE) and Save Our Lodden Valley Environment (SOLVE), which advocate for a reduction in housing development. Miller urged the council to take advantage of its new powers under the updated NPPF, noting that current high levels of house building strain public services and infrastructure.