The Government has recently published highly controversial proposals to reform the planning system. One aspect that has raised particular concern is the proposal to remove local residents’ rights to object to individual planning applications in their own neighbourhood if the area is zoned for growth or renewal.
Last month, the House of Commons called on the Government to protect residents’ rights to retain a voice over planning applications, recognising that the best way to get necessary new homes built is to support communities, councils and developers to work in partnership.
The motion passed in the House of Commons stated, “This House believes planning works best when developers and the local community work together to shape local areas and deliver necessary new homes; and therefore calls on the Government to protect the right of communities to object to individual planning applications”.