We don’t wish to take political sides, but with the upcoming General Election in May, it is interesting to observe how the political parties are looking at ways to secure votes and win over the electorate.

One of these potential “vote winners” appears to be focused on the restrictions of proposed house-building particularly on Green Belt land. Despite Local Planning Authorities having to demonstrate that they have allocated sufficient building land (including green field sites) to meet their 5 year projected housing supply needs, they will still be able to cite the Green Belt as a major constraint when considering any development proposed within its boundaries. Although this might severely restrict the land available for development to take place, it is considered by the current Government to be essential to prevent unnecessary urban sprawl which is against the wishes of the local people/ electorate of the area. Appropriate development should be considered in consultation with local people using the established Local or Neighbourhood Plan, if there is one currently available (see our next article for further details).

This is bad news for developers and an excellent time to get your voice heard and object to any such development. Talk to your local MP and remind him or her of the upcoming election and the strength of local opinion against the development, it is sure to be a vote winner!

Watch this space for further election updates regarding planning and development which may affect you and your local community…..