Downing Street’s proposal would effectively remove power from town and city halls, according to Braintree District Council.
The authority’s leader, Graham Butland, has written a letter to Steve Reed OBE, the UK’s Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, recommending a change in tact from the recently tabled reform.
Under planned changes, local councils must inform central government of their intention to refuse planning applications for large scale housing developments. The rules would apply to any project comprising 150 homes or more, and are designed to allow ministers to intervene as and when they believe it is appropriate.
‘The objection to this proposal is not raised in order to allow the Council to find a reason to undermine the government’s commitment to build 1.5 million homes by the next parliament,’ said Cllr Butland. ‘Rather, the objection is raised on the basis that this proposal would undermine local decision-making and local democracy.’
‘Moreover, whilst the Council recognises the importance of delivering new homes, this should not be at the expense of providing new residents with high quality places to live or failing to ensure there is a good level of benefits arising from schemes including providing mitigation in the form of enhanced key local services for all our residents,’ he continued.
Last year, the UK Government announced plans to build 1.5 million homes during this parliament, along with sweeping reforms to planning processes.
Image: James Feaver / Unsplash
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