Protecting the public's say in the planning process - Liberal Democrats to propose motion to Newcastle City Council

Councillor Robin Ashby will propose to the next meeting of Newcastle City Council that :

"Council notes:

· The publication by Government of the White Paper, 'Planning for the Future' on 6 August 2020, which set out proposals on reforms to the planning process for the future.

· That the vast majority of planning applications are given the go ahead by local authority planning committees, with permission granted to around 9 out of 10 applications.

· That research by the Local Government Association has said that there are existing planning permissions for more than one million homes that have not yet been started.

Council is concerned that the proposals seek to:

· Reduce or remove the right of residents to object to applications near them.

· Grant automatic rights for developers to build on land identified as 'for growth'.

· Remove section 106 payments for infrastructure and their replacement with a national levy.

Council Further Notes:

· The Royal Institute for British Architects called the proposals 'shameful and which will do almost nothing to guarantee delivery of affordable, well-designed and sustainable homes'. RIBA also said that proposals could lead to the next generation of slum housing.

· The reforms are opposed by the all-party Local Government Association, currently led by Conservative Councillors.

Council Believes:

· That existing planning procedures, as currently administered by our own team in Newcastle, allow for local democratic control over future development, and give local people a say in planning proposals that affect them.

· That proposals for automatic rights to build in 'growth' areas, and increased permitted development rights, risk unregulated growth and unsustainable communities.

· That local communities must be in the driving seat on shaping the future of their communities, and local determination of the planning framework and planning applications play an important part in this process.

Council resolves to:

· Continue to take part in the consultation of the planning proposals, and to make representations against the proposals as outlined in this motion.

· Write to and lobby our Members of Parliament, urging them to oppose these proposals and to circulate their replies to members.

· Highlight its concerns over these proposals with the public and local residents."