‘MPs raise the roof opposing planning overhaul’ – says CPRE, the countryside charity

'It's been clear for some time the government’s damaging overhaul of the planning system is equivalent to demolishing the house to fix the roof. Today we saw backbench Conservative MPs in particular raise the roof of the Commons with a torrent of criticism of the proposals, highlighting how they threaten local democracy, local green space and the ability of local communities to deliver affordable homes. Even the former Prime Minister Theresa May branded these reforms as ‘contradictory to the leveling up agenda’ and demanded that the government ‘think again’.

‘With a Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee inquiry also announced today, opposition to these damaging reforms is beginning to reach a fever pitch and will be impossible for the government to ignore. Instead, we’re urging the government to invest in a locally-led and democratic planning system that prioritises building genuinely affordable homes in the areas that communities need them. That means avoiding any further unnecessary damage to locally-valued green space, while making sure we begin tackling the housing, nature and climate emergencies. We urge the government to listen and put people and nature back at the heart of planning.’