MP to raise planning policy concerns

Concern over some of the Government's new planning policy will be raised by Meon Valley MP George Hollingbery when a powerful select committee next meets.

George is a member of the Department for Communities and Local Government Select Committee, which is tasked with scrutinising the controversial National Planning Policy Framework NPPF.

"I do have some concerns over the changes that the NPPF implies and will be looking closely at the framework and I have made several representations already to the minister responsible," said George.

"Principal among these concerns is the 'interregnum' period while many councils catch up with the local plan process. This could lead to developers filling the void and bringing out their own plans before local authorities can act. This needs to be looked at carefully and any loopholes closed.

"There is also a clear bias in the NPPF towards economic development and a potential confusion as to whether the Local Plan will be the prime consideration in decision making."

George explained that the framework was not a fundamental change to the planning system.

"Since the inception of the modern system in 1946, there has always been a 'presumption in favour of development' at the heart of the legislation.

"I also do not think it presents any greater threat to the countryside than was previously the case. This framework doesn’t mean that countryside cannot be protected. Any properly reasoned and thought through local plan should be able to protect the green belt.

"What the changes do mean is that local councils are now going to have do work for themselves that was previously dictated from the centre and this is a good thing, he said.

George added that ensuring that local people’s wishes, are enshrined in the local plan and in neighbourhood development plans will lead to a better and more accountable system.