Jess Brown-Fuller demands reversal of Government ‘power grab’ on local planning decisions

Jess Brown-Fuller, Liberal Democrat MP for Chichester, has condemned the Government’s latest planning reforms, warning that they represent a serious erosion of local democracy and sideline the voices of communities. She also called on the Government to end the practice of land banking by developers.

Under the new rules, local councillors will no longer have the final say on major housing developments of 150 homes or more. Instead, if councillors wish to refuse an application for 150 homes or more, the decision can be taken out of local hands and referred directly to the Housing Secretary.

Jess contributed to a statement in Parliament given by Matthew Pennycook, Minister for Housing and Planning, focusing on the issue of land grabs, which see developers securing land for development but failing to build. Jess suggested that a “use it or lose it” policy be introduced to ensure approved plots are built on.

Jess later said:

“This is an extraordinary power grab by the Government and an insult to local people. Local councillors are democratically elected to make decisions on behalf of their communities, not to act as a rubber stamp for ministers in Whitehall.”

“Good planning decisions are community-led and built with the vital infrastructure communities need, including GPs, NHS dentists and schools. That requires local knowledge and democratic accountability.”

“If Ministers are serious about speeding up housebuilding, they should look at plots where planning has been approved but there are no spades in the ground.”

The Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to reverse these changes and recommit to a planning system that is locally led, democratically accountable, and focused on delivering genuinely sustainable development.