Planning Policy Reform 2022-05-16
2022-05-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Residents in David Johnston's constituency are seeking greater involvement in local developments.
What steps his Department is taking to give residents greater input on local developments. Residents object not simply to the sheer number of developments but to their environmental impact and construction standards.
The Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill will improve our planning system and give residents more involvement in local development. It strengthens neighbourhood planning and enables street votes with digital tools to give communities a say on developments that affect them. Clear local plans, tested against environmental outcomes, are central to improving community engagement.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific sanctions or timelines for ensuring developers follow through on commitments
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Wealden and Rother District Councils have issued 10,000 planning permissions but only built out 1,000 homes annually.
The 2020 White Paper promised once-in-a-generation reform to planning policy. The present proposals appear unambitious in contrast. Can I meet the Minister so he can explain how we can deal with the situation where 10,000 planning permissions have not been built out but 2,000 new homes must be delivered each year?
I am happy to meet the hon. Friend. The Bill addresses build-out rates with measures requiring developers to supply local authorities with commencement notices, annual house construction agreements, and completion notices. This will help ensure that homes with permission are built.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific sanctions or consequences for non-compliance
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Homes England proposes up to 10,000 houses on green fields near Crawley that are prone to flooding.
How will these planning proposals allow the people of Crawley to say no to the West of Ifield development?
Communities must have a say on developments affecting them. The site in question is included in the Horsham draft plan produced with Crawley council, allowing residents to comment on both the plan and subsequent planning applications.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address how communities can reject flood-prone proposals directly
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Constituents are concerned about the environmental impact of home constructions.
Can local communities have a say on how homes are constructed, rather than just what they look like from the outside?
Improving environmental standards and community engagement are key elements of reforms. Clear local plans tested against environmental outcomes and strong community input are central to these reforms, alongside steps through the future homes standard and the Environment Act 2021.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify how communities can influence construction standards directly
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Developers in Sheffield are not complying with planning conditions, affecting local infrastructure.
What sanctions will the local authority have if developers do not follow their promises or comply with conditions?
Communities often see that promised developments are not fulfilled. The Bill aims to give power back to local communities through strengthened neighbourhood plans, ensuring they get what was promised initially.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific sanctions or consequences for non-compliance
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
York is facing issues with new build properties being left vacant or used for Airbnb, affecting the housing market.
How will the Minister use planning reforms to ensure building meets local needs rather than just numbers?
The reforms empower local communities to develop plans that identify housing needs. The hon. Lady raised issues on second homes and Airbnb, and a roundtable with North Yorkshire colleagues will address these issues.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific measures or timelines for addressing Airbnb and second home issues directly
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
A case in South Leamington was originally consulted on six years ago for social and truly affordable housing. Recently, the plan has been changed to include 80 units with 92 beds in the same space.
On the point the Minister made about developers or planners going back on previous agreements or advice, I have a case in South Leamington where we were to have social and truly affordable housing built six years ago. As of last week, that has been changed to 80 units with 92 beds in more or less the same space. Will he meet me to discuss this matter and explain how planning changes will ensure communities get what they want, which is truly affordable housing?
Of course, I would be happy to meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss the issue he raises. The whole point of the Bill is to strengthen the development of local plans in the first place, so local planning authorities can address the housing needs they have in their area, including the types of housing they need; and to strengthen enforcement issues around planning applications. I am more than happy to speak to him further to understand the issue in greater detail.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for a meeting was acknowledged but no commitment was made on how planning changes will ensure truly affordable housing as requested.
Response accuracy