Leader of the Opposition & Brighton & Hove Labour Group, Councillor Nancy Platts, on the government’s disastrous announcements for the future of planning:

IT WAS really disappointing to hear the announcement from the Government last week about their proposed reforms to the planning system.

We in the Labour Party have long been lobbying government to give local authorities greater control over the planning system. We want to close loopholes that allow for land-banking and stop developers side-stepping affordable housing obligations.

As the Brighton & Hove Labour Group, we passed City Plan Part Two whilst in administration.  This provides a blueprint for sustainable development in the city for the next decade.

The City Plan supports the provision of low-cost, well-designed homes, local jobs, welcoming public places, enhanced green spaces and transport, health, cultural and educational facilities. It’s focused on ensuring communities reap the benefits from well-designed development, and that the progressive priorities residents voted for are delivered on. From stronger policies on renewable energy and energy efficient homes, to minimum space standards, to flexible retail policies that protect the high street, we were able to gain support for a planning framework that puts the needs of local residents first.

Unfortunately, the reforms that government has announced go in the exact opposite direction and threaten the future of affordable housing…

Read Councillor Platts’ full article in The Argus:

https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/18656530.column-government-play-ball-future-planning/