Will new homes planning rulebook make a difference?

THE article entitled “Government’s new homes planning rulebook ” appeared in the Courier on Friday, August 31, issue 1205.

Building attractive and better homes in areas where they are needed is at the centre of a new planning framework published recently by Secretary of State Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP.

This will make it easier for councils such as Mid Devon District Council, to challenge poor quality and unattractive development and give communities a greater voice allowing residents to see proposed development before building starts.

The new rulebook aims to deliver affordable homes where they are most needed - councils will be able to calculate the amount and type of housing to suit the needs of the local community.

The new framework will focus on:

• Promoting high quality design of new homes and places

• Stronger protection for the environment

• Building the right number of homes in the right places

• Greater responsibility and accountability for housing delivery from councils and developers

The new planning system aligns more closely with DEFRA’s 25 Year Environment Plan, which aims to leave the environment in a better state for future generations.

It provides protection for biodiversity, ensuring wildlife thrives and gives more protection for habitats with strengthened protection for ancient woodland and ancient and veteran trees.

There is also a greater importance on air quality when deciding development proposals.

How do you think the new planning rules will affect developments in the Crediton area?

Please let me know. You can Contact me at 102 High Street, Crediton or email: [email protected] .

Members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting at Phoenix House, Tiverton on September 19, at 2.15pm when the Planning Committee will make a decision. Anyone wishing to speak should contact committee clerk, Sally Gabriel, on 01884 234229.

What you told us ……….

Who could complain about the idea of “building the right number of homes in the right places” or expecting quality design, protecting bio-diversity and good air quality? All these things are laudable and right and in fact appear clearly in MDDC’s own Local Plan. However, there are edicts from Central Government which require councils to build houses in quantity without true regard for local need or any of the criteria in the framework. Add to this the profit motive; landowners, developers and builders all want a share.

Sue Keogh, Upton Hellions

I don’t think the new rulebook will make any difference. Money talks and whoever has enough money to buy the land at Creedy Bridge will get it. I’ve lived in Crediton for 30 years and I don’t recognise it any more. If I could afford to I would move away.

Crediton Resident

The rulebook is high sounding, ambitious and difficult to deliver as various stakeholders will be working against each other.

Justin Beament, Down St Mary