Neighbourhood Plans — [Ms Nusrat Ghani in the Chair]

I am concerned about the lack of clarity regarding financial support for local communities to implement neighbourhood plans. I have heard many stories from my constituents who are eager to shape their future but face significant hurdles due to insufficient funding. Commends the hon. Member for Bosworth for bringing attention to an important topic, highlighting that planning is a significant issue in his constituency's mailbag. Supports local communities' power to speak up for their area as per the Localism Act 2011 but notes the challenges faced by neighbourhood plans due to developer exploitation and Planning Inspectorate interference. Advocates for central Government support for neighbourhood plans rather than burdening local authorities, stressing the need to protect community voices from being overruled. Does the hon. Gentleman recognise that clause 88 of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill makes the point that neighbourhood plans will take into consideration climate change and environmental aspects? Mr Mangnall apologised for interrupting the Minister and requested confirmation that the scrapping of the five-year land supply for local authorities with up-to-date local plans would be included in the legislation. He also questioned how a conflict between a local plan and a national plan would be resolved.

The current system does not provide enough support for neighbourhood plans, leading to a lack of engagement from local communities.

My hon. Friend makes an important point about the Liberal Democrats and their lack of participation in the debate. Mr James Gray expressed support for neighbourhood planning but raised three reservations: the presumption in favour of expansion, the two-year validity period for neighbourhood plans which renders them outdated quickly, and the five-year housing land supply figure that favours developers over local authorities. Mr Gray welcomed the stipulation in the Bill but raised concerns about speculative developments that might arise due to uncertainty before the law becomes an Act. He also suggested finding a way to better utilise the existing stock of 800,000 empty houses in the UK, particularly for older people's housing.

Mr Shannon discussed the importance of planning in Northern Ireland, drawing on his extensive experience as a councillor. He highlighted the need for partnership between developers and local councils to ensure that new developments include essential amenities like schools and GP surgeries. Mr Shannon also noted that neighbourhood planning can lead to increased housing allocations but expressed concern about protectionist agendas in some plans.

Matthew Pennycock praised the concept of neighbourhood planning for giving communities greater say in development but highlighted concerns about its take-up predominantly from affluent areas. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of clarity on the role of neighbourhood plans in national policy and criticized the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill for undermining localism, suggesting it would stifle local innovation and democratic engagement.

Does the hon. Gentleman acknowledge that there is somebody from the Opposition who has come to support today's debate, and to show Labour's position on supporting planning and ensuring that it is affordable? Residents in her constituency are frustrated that developers' views take precedence over those of local people when it comes to the local plan. She emphasised the need for prioritising local residents' needs.