← Back to Westminster Hall Debates
Neighbourhood Plans — [Ms Nusrat Ghani in the Chair]
07 June 2022
Lead MP
Luke Evans
Hinckley and Bosworth
Con
Responding Minister
Stuart Andrew
Tags
No tags
Word Count: 12593
Other Contributors: 6
At a Glance
Luke Evans raised concerns about neighbourhood plans — [ms nusrat ghani in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Mr Evans asks for clarification on how neighbourhood plans will be implemented when an up-to-date local plan is not in place, and seeks the Minister's response on the future of neighbourhood plans under the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Mr Luke Evans is concerned about the lack of an up-to-date local plan in his constituency, leading to piecemeal development and infrastructure issues. He highlights that without a local plan, there are no protections for communities against inappropriate development. Additionally, he mentions the need for houses that families can aspire to and elderly downsizing options.
Anthony Mangnall
Con
Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale
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.
Brighton Pavilion
The current system does not provide enough support for neighbourhood plans, leading to a lack of engagement from local communities.
James Gray
Con
North Wiltshire
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.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
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.
Greenwich and Woolwich
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.
Taiwo Owatemi
Lab
Coventry North West
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.
Government Response
Stuart Andrew
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under the chairmanship of Ms Ghani. The Minister congratulates Dr Evans on securing this debate and acknowledges his consistent advocacy for neighbourhood planning. He emphasises that the Government are committed to putting communities at the heart of the planning system, with neighbourhood plans playing a crucial role. Despite being unable to comment on specific cases due to his quasi-judicial role in the planning system, he can discuss many issues raised in the debate generally. Neighbourhood plans continue to have statutory weight and form part of the development plan for the local area alongside the local plan. The national planning policy framework prioritises decisions that align with up-to-date neighbourhood plans. Over 2,800 groups have started the process since 2012, and over 1,300 plans are now in place across the country. The Minister expresses admiration for communities that take time to prepare these plans, bringing local people together to shape development meeting their needs. He highlights examples such as the Bridport area plan in Dorset and the Greater Carpenters neighbourhood plan in Newham. Funding of £40 million has been allocated up until 2023 to ensure residents have tools and resources for planning. The Minister notes uneven take-up across the country, but through the Bill, they will introduce neighbourhood priority statements—a simpler, faster and more accessible way for communities to participate in planning. These statements can set out community priorities and preferences for local areas and must be treated as formal input when councils prepare their local plans. The reforms aim to further cement the role of neighbourhood planning in influencing development locally. He emphasises the importance of local plan making being easier so that more people can engage, particularly digitally. He acknowledges concerns about development management policy but reassures Members that it is not meant to override a local plan and that protections will be in place to avoid duplication. The Minister reiterates the Government's commitment to working closely with MPs to refine legislation as it progresses through Parliament.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.