Laura Sharman 25 October 2021

Report calls for communities to be given more power over planning

Report calls for communities to be given more power over planning image

Local people should have more decision-making powers over new developments in their neighbourhoods, a report for a think tank has argued.

The new report, published by the Social Market Foundation, said the current system gives too much power to planning authorities. It argues power should be devolved to local residents to allow more development next to their communities instead.

The report, written by John Myers of the PricedOut and YIMBY Alliance campaigns, calls for a ‘peer-to-peer’ decision making system. It says this would encourage developers and residents to strike mutually beneficial bargains to get new developments off the ground.

It argues these schemes have already been successful in areas in Surrey and South Devon.

Greg Smith MP said: 'This new paper proposes a fundamentally good principle of genuine localism and people power. The most perverse elements of the Government’s planning white paper was the further erosion of local decision making.

'This paper takes it entirely the other way, giving street by street, village by village, parish by parish the power to say yes or no. That must surely be a positive step to protecting the land, especially countryside, and giving communities the ability to decide what is right for them.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker - Family Support and Safeguarding - Bicester Banbury

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £47754
You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the FSP Workbook modules, and a strengths-based approach, ensuring the As Bicester
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Executive Director of Resources & Governance (S151 Officer)

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Homes, Communities & Environment

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Strategy, People & Transformation

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council
Linkedin Banner