Power to the people on planning issues

Communities should start laying foundations for any future developments they want in their local area, the Government has urged.

Housing minister Grant Shapps wants residents to look at Community Right to Build proposals currently before Parliament.

He claims this shifts power from Government and councils to neighbourhoods and allows people to deliver the homes and development that they really want.

Mr Shapps said: “I want communities of all shapes and sizes, living in the smallest of villages and the largest of cities, to have the chance to drive forward their own plans for the future of their neighbourhoods without being hindered by bureaucracy and red tape.

“The Community Right to Build would do just that, giving local people the chance to give the go-ahead to new, small-scale developments that meet certain criteria and also, crucially, the test of public opinion.

“I would urge anyone wanting to shape the future of their local area and get the homes they want built to look at today’s guide.

“Whether these communities are living in an urban area or a countryside setting, it should give them the pointers they need so they can lay the foundations for making their housebuilding dreams a reality.”

Under proposals in the Localism Bill, community organisations would be able to approve new local developments without the need to go through the normal planning application process, as long as the proposals meet certain criteria and there is community backing in a local referendum. Projects with the support of more than 50 per cent of those that vote in a referendum will get the go-ahead.

Examples given by the Government include additional housing to meet the demand of future generations, new shops where communities want to offer low-rent deals to local convenience stores or farm shops, or a new community hall or sports facilities.

For more information visit www.communities.gov.uk/righttobuild