William Eichler 26 October 2017

Majority of Javid's decisions on housing appeals are in Tory seats, research finds

The ‘vast majority’ of ministerial decisions on housing appeals have been in Conservative seats and a significant proportion of them have been refused against the inspector’s advice, a law firm reveals.

Law firm Irwin Mitchell looked at the 69 called-in applications or recovered appeals involving housing proposals issued in community secretary Sajid Javid’s name since he took office in June.

The research revealed 64 - or 93% - involved sites in Conservative constituencies. Moreover, in 14 of these cases Mr Javid refused permission contrary to a recommendation from the planning inspector.

Out of these 14, 13 were in Conservative seats. The exception was speaker John Bercow’s Buckingham constituency, where plans for 130 homes were refused in July.

‘We have a bizarre scenario: the secretary of state tasked with delivering more housing has personally refused 2,397 homes - almost all of them in the constituencies of Conservative MP’s - that his inspectors said should be approved,’ according to Irwin Mitchell’s head of planning, Carl Dyer.

‘And then he stood up at the Conservative Party Conference and said that too many decisions were being made by people opposed to any development. One can only question how committed he really is to solving the current housing crisis.’

Responding to the findings, a DCLG spokesperson said: ‘ The secretary of state is considering called-in applications and recovered appeals will always focus on the merits of the individual cases before making a decision, having full regard to the inspector’s report.

‘His role is to reach a view based upon his consideration of the facts.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer

West Northamptonshire Council
£26914 - £27781
The Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer at West Northamptonshire Council provides essential administrative support across the Revenues and Benefits team. The role involves managing emails, indexing documents, raising orders and supporting financi Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Strategic Commissioning Manager (Markets Team Manager)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Drive real change in your community - shape the future of careDrive real change in your community - shape the future of careAt the Royal Borough of Ke England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£34902.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid EssexPermanent, Full Time£34,902 to £50,081 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Sheltered Housing Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£33291 - £34291 per annum
Support residents to live independently in safe, welcoming homes - making every day easier, safer and more connected.Support residents to live indepen England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £32,597 - £36,363
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner