On Tuesday 20 January 2015 Anne Marie held a debate in Westminster Hall on introducing a Community Right of Appeal into the planning process. The Government recognised in 2010 that there was a significant housing supply problem, and that one of the challenges was to free up the planning system. The reality of what has happened since then is that changes to the planning process have not moved at the same pace as the local communities rights, leading local people to feel powerless. Anne Marie cited a case in Teignbridge. In Shutterton in Dawlish, an application was made for 350 houses. Those houses were not part of the local plan provision. Nevertheless, before the local plan was formally adopted the application was passed. In cases such as this, Anne Marie pressed the Government minister to legislate for a Community Right of Appeal. There must be true planning grounds for such an appeal, including a situation where the local authority had ignored Government guidance. There should be grounds for appeal if the Local Authority had ignored the provisions of the Local Plan or Neighbourhood Plan. And finally, there should be the right of appeal if there was a failure to provide proper infrastructure support. With new houses comes the need for new schools, GP surgeries as well as utility connection services. The Minister replied that he will consider a number of the proposals that Anne Marie has put forward. Anne Marie commented: “Today’s debate was a Starter for Ten. Constituents often tell me that they want new homes built for their children, but equally communities do not want to feel that they are having planning imposed on them from on high, regardless of their wishes. My Community Right of Appeal seeks to redress the balance”. If you would like to read a transcript of the debate in full, please use this link: publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201415/cmhansrd/cm150120/halltext/150120h0002.htm#15012054000003
Posted on: Thu, 22 Jan 2015 12:40:01 +0000
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