Agenda item

It was moved by Councillor Veidman, seconded by Councillor Carragher:

Planning White Paper

                     That:

On 6th August 2020 the Housing Secretary published a White Paper on ‘Planning for the Future’ which outlines major changes to the current planning system including a new way of categorising land into three types; as Growth areas which would have planning permission in principle, as Renewal areas which would need further permissions and as Protected areas.

This Council Notes: 

Sefton Labour Group strongly opposed the last iteration of major reforms to the Planning system by Government which resulted in the reclassification of green belt land within Sefton.

90% of planning applications are approved and there is currently planning permission for over one million homes which have not been built clearly demonstrating that the housing shortage is not due to the current planning system. 

The plans to abolish Section 106 agreements is detrimental as this is one of the most important mechanisms in securing community facilities and much needed affordable housing and in addition, lifting the affordable housing threshold will only add to the problem of providing decent sustainable affordable homes.

The plans for total digitisation of the system will disenfranchise many people in Sefton due to their inability to access or afford the technologies to engage. 

The idea of permission in principle within Growth areas will potentially remove the role of local Planning Committees in determining how places are shaped and developed also depriving local residents and councillors of a key cherished democratic right.

The proposals will be detrimental to wildlife and the natural environment by removing local democratic scrutiny and safeguards.

This Council Resolves to: 

Call on our local MPs’ to lobby the Housing Minister to discard his proposed changes to the planning system and listen to the LGA, local Councils, professional bodies, wildlife and environmental organisations and communities who are united in their opposition.

Following debate the Chief Legal and Democratic Officer, Mr David McCullough officiated the vote, after which, the Mayor declared that the Motion was carried and it was

RESOLVED:

That:

On 6th August 2020 the Housing Secretary published a White Paper on ‘Planning for the Future’ which outlines major changes to the current planning system including a new way of categorising land into three types; as Growth areas which would have planning permission in principle, as Renewal areas which would need further permissions and as Protected areas.

This Council Notes: 

Sefton Labour Group strongly opposed the last iteration of major reforms to the Planning system by Government which resulted in the reclassification of green belt land within Sefton.

90% of planning applications are approved and there is currently planning permission for over one million homes which have not been built clearly demonstrating that the housing shortage is not due to the current planning system. 

The plans to abolish Section 106 agreements is detrimental as this is one of the most important mechanisms in securing community facilities and much needed affordable housing and in addition, lifting the affordable housing threshold will only add to the problem of providing decent sustainable affordable homes.

The plans for total digitisation of the system will disenfranchise many people in Sefton due to their inability to access or afford the technologies to engage. 

The idea of permission in principle within Growth areas will potentially remove the role of local Planning Committees in determining how places are shaped and developed also depriving local residents and councillors of a key cherished democratic right.

The proposals will be detrimental to wildlife and the natural environment by removing local democratic scrutiny and safeguards.

This Council Resolves to: 

Call on our local MPs’ to lobby the Housing Minister to discard his proposed changes to the planning system and listen to the LGA, local Councils, professional bodies, wildlife and environmental organisations and communities who are united in their opposition.