Defends the Government's stance on difficult financial decisions, acknowledges the importance of local expertise in preparing neighbourhood plans, and clarifies that funding for local planning authorities will not be affected. Clarified the distinction between local government reorganisation and devolution, emphasising that parish and town councillors are capable of balancing competing interests.

Neighbourhood planning empowers local communities to shape their futures. The village of Holt, for example, successfully transformed a derelict site into an award-winning mixed-use development using the neighbourhood plan process. However, the withdrawal of funding means less affluent areas are left vulnerable. Highlights worries about a two-tier system due to funding differences and suggests simplifying the neighbourhood planning process could help communities manage without expensive consultants.

The hon. Member for Upper Bann agrees on the importance of water infrastructure in planning discussions, mentioning issues related to housing under-occupation and over-occupied homes trapping residents in unsuitable living conditions.

The village of London Colney is facing significant housing development pressure, but the parish council has been told there is no funding left to complete their neighbourhood plan. She argues for reinstating funding where local parishes have made progress.

Appreciated the Minister's response despite it not being within his brief, highlighted the importance of neighbourhood plans for local consent, and argued against their dismantling as they are central to local democracy.

The hon. Member for West Dorset emphasizes the importance of planning in terms of community needs rather than just bricks and mortar, highlighting that many sites with planning permission remain unused. He also stresses the need for neighbourhood plans to guide development and protect local characteristics. Defended the Liberal Democrat-run Dorset council's approach to local planning and community involvement.

Neighbourhood plans are crucial for a fair and democratic planning system. They empower local people to shape their communities’ future and reflect the unique character of each area, but they face challenges such as speculative development attempts that undermine trust in the planning process.

Shannon suggests looking at a UK-wide strategy for planning applications, integrating public services with communities and businesses to speed up decisions, highlighting the importance of shared learning across different parts of the UK.

Liberal Democrats support the principle of public consent and genuine community involvement in planning processes. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill undermines this by reducing local resident's influence over development decisions.

In Northern Ireland, a planning proposal for a hotel close to the Open golf championship has been delayed by politically inspired complaints. The MP suggests addressing such issues holistically to facilitate development that most people agree with.

Congratulates Dr Evans on securing the debate and discusses how Labour's new house building algorithm will impact his constituency. Points out that housing targets are increasing in rural areas while decreasing in urban centers, indicating a politically gerrymandering approach. Challenged the Liberal Democrats' stance on national housing targets, stating that if a council fails to deliver, it is their responsibility. He praised Dorset council for its local plan process. Questions the Minister's decision, suggesting it is a result of the Prime Minister’s U-turn on welfare and will lead to fewer neighbourhood plans due to lack of funding.

Fox mentions that Somerset's house building target rose by 41%, while nearby Bristol, under Labour control, saw a decrease of 11%, illustrating the inconsistency in housing targets across different regions. Acknowledges the debate's importance and supports the call for meaningful neighbourhood plans with genuine local input. Asked why the government is withdrawing funding for neighbourhood plans despite their importance.

Anderson supports Evans's argument that neighbourhood plans provide local communities with a voice and the ability to shape their areas, expressing concern about the withdrawal of funding which takes away this power from locals.

Morton agrees with Evans's point that housing targets are increasing in rural areas while decreasing in cities, using Aldridge-Brownhills as an example where the target increased by 27% despite lack of infrastructure support. The insistence on top-down targets is driving out local communities' voice in planning decisions, which is deeply damaging for sustainable community development. Neighbourhood plans are crucial for local input in development and protecting valued green spaces. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill risks undermining progress by centralising decision-making power. Inquired about the Government's commitment to ensuring sufficient funding for brownfield remediation, emphasizing the need for central government support to unlock regeneration opportunities across the country. Raises concerns about parish councils potentially raising precepts to fund neighbourhood plans if central government support ends, questioning the impact on taxpayers.