Woking councillors are the latest exponents of populist planning. Plans for a 366 flat tower of 28 storeys, approved on a second appeal has angered Cllr Ann-Marie, leader of Woking council. “I am bitterly disappointed with the outcome ……. . Local residents do not wish to see further high rise development and this appeal has … Continue reading Is the law supreme?
Brownfield first?
The new prime minister has assured the Conservative MP for Aldridge-Brownhills Wendy Morton his government will protect the green belt and and the policy is to adopt a ‘brownfield first’ strategy. She is worried saying ‘we are at risk of 8000 new homes being dumped in the constituency’. The PM wisely adds that it is … Continue reading Brownfield first?
Density, Democracy =Local Control
Increasing densities in urban areas in theory makes sense. But reality is tough for local councils and residents on the ground. Proposals to increase density on a small, 6 unit residential site in The Close, Sandhurst are heavily criticised by neighbours and local leaders. Citing increased traffic, insufficient parking, impact on trees, overlooking, overshadowing, overbearing … Continue reading Density, Democracy =Local Control
A hugh challenge. And a solution.
The former chancellor of the exchequer, Philip Hammond was candid on Sunday’s Kuenssberg show. There is conflict between providing 300,000 new homes a year and the truth, many Conservative in rural areas do not want the homes near them. He added, everyone wants a solution, provided it is not on their doorstep. He says the … Continue reading A hugh challenge. And a solution.
Fingers Crossed!
No-one knows what to expect from Sunak and Gove on planning reform. In July the new PM said ’getting the consent for the number of homes we need is a challenge’; and he added that ’our cities (are) much less dense than lots of other places around Europe (it is) .easier there to build more … Continue reading Fingers Crossed!
Duty v Democracy
The recent decision by Dudley council to withdraw from the Black Country Plan means the other three councils will seek to recoup their costs from Dudley. Dudley council leader disagrees. Coun. Patrick Harley says 20,000 responses to a public consultation, objecting to plans to build on green belt in Dudley is the point of democracy. … Continue reading Duty v Democracy
Cross border plans by councils need land ownership.
Duty to cooperate has failed. The Levelling Up & Regeneration Bill will, is the claim, encourage local councils to think about their neighbours needs. Why will this pious wish succeed better? Left to themselves most councils with a serious housing deficit will do nothing. Few voters support new homes near them. Those living locally know … Continue reading Cross border plans by councils need land ownership.
Let’s opt out.
Another council has opted out of the local plan programme. Ashfield District Council wants ’clarification’ from PM Truss. The council had proposed 8226 homes between 2020 and 2038. Council leader Jason Zadrozny says they will not include 8000 houses wanted by the government. He has a point. After all Truss has recently said we should … Continue reading Let’s opt out.
76,000 or 300? All the same to locals?
Reigate and Banstead Council have rejected 300 new homes at Sandcross Lane. Why? Not because the site is old greenbelt land; simply they have a five year supply, so it is oversupply. Local residents views are passionate. ‘There is no need for this development. The green spaces in the area are being lost in the … Continue reading 76,000 or 300? All the same to locals?
Can Truss resolve local conflicts?
Dudley Council has changed its mind. Reflecting local fears, Coun.Patrick Harley says he will recommend his cabinet withdraw from the regional plan, calling it a very emotive subject. Other local leaders have expressed surprise and disappointment, or even more at the outcome. Deciding the location for 76,000 new homes in the Black Country needed by … Continue reading Can Truss resolve local conflicts?