This week started with a conference call with Minister Pincher at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government about the proposed planning reforms. He was keen to steer colleagues towards the consultation that has opened on the changes the Government wants to bring forward, and I am very keen that constituents should also take part. The Planning for the Future White Paper could have very big ramifications here, and it is crucial that local voices are heard: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/planning-for-the-future
During the call I raised with the Minister the need to bring in more effective tools to force developers to build out permissions that have already been granted. As I am fond of telling people the last brew at Romsey Brewery started on my 11th birthday, we need tools to make sure the million + permissions that have been granted up and down the country are actually built so that we do not lose more green land unnecessarily.
I also used it as an opportunity to raise the issue of nitrates in the Solent yet again. This problem is preventing TVBC from granting permissions unless there is a mitigation scheme in place. It is a problem not only in enabling TVBC to keep its 5 year supply of permissions as required, but it means that self-builders and small local developers are stymied from bringing forward proposals for much needed retirement accommodation etc. Solent region MPs have been meeting regularly with Natural England and others over the lock down period trying to find solutions, but when Parliament returns in September I expect to be speaking a great deal on these issues.
