How the Tory Planning power grab affects Spelthorne
Centralising decisions will take away local planning right
The Lib Dems oppose these changes which will:
- Take away your right to object to unsuitable new developments
- Reduce the requirement for developers to build affordable housing
- Deny local residents and planners the opportunity to decide what is best in Spelthorne
Spelthorne Liberal Democrat Councillor Bernie Spoor, spokesperson on Planning, has condemned plans by the Government to take away the rights of residents to have a say on new housing developments. "The proposed changes mean developers could go ahead with new housing schemes but with a lot less money for local facilities and services. Local people won't get the chance to object.
"Decisions will be taken away from your elected councillors and decided by civil servants. Fewer affordable homes will be built while the Government is demanding that Spelthorne finds green belt space for an extra almost 500 new homes a year.
"The Conservatives planning power grab will disempower local people and their elected councillors, and lead to even less social housing being built."
There are plans for around one million homes across the country that are already approved. Liberal Democrats want new laws that will push developers to build them. Instead, the Government's proposals serve the interests of developers, giving them the power to run roughshod over local communities' wishes.
The Lib Dems are opposing these changes. They believe the proposals will put green space under threat - but also mean less of the social/affordable housing or facilities that Spelthorne needs. You can see the motion we proposed at Full Council that was unanimously agreed and response we submitted to the Consultation here
Cllr Bernie Spoor continues: "Spelthorne residents are clearly best placed to decide what is preferable in our area, and to know what our community really needs."
