Agenda item

Carl Doran asked the Leader of the Council the following question:

 

Question

On August 27th an article by you, Cllr Halsall, referring to the Government's proposed planning reforms was published on the 'Conservative Home' website.

 

In the article you say this:

 

"The Cummings affair, Robert Jenrick, Coronavirus, Scotland and school results have hugely dented us Tories. We will do badly in May unless the Government quickly learns from its mistakes"

 

Do you think the Government will learn from its mistakes, specifically these planning reforms, which so affect us all?

 

Minutes:

 

On August 27th an article by you, Councillor Halsall, referring to the Government's proposed planning reforms was published on the 'Conservative Home' website.

 

In the article you say this:

 

"The Cummings affair, Robert Jenrick, Coronavirus, Scotland and school results have hugely dented us Tories. We will do badly in May unless the Government quickly learns from its mistakes"

 

Do you think the Government will learn from its mistakes, specifically these planning reforms, which so affect us all?

 

Answer

As you know the Government is consulting on changes to the planning system and whilst I cannot presume to know how it will respond to the consultation, I would encourage all of you to familiarise yourselves with the consultations and make your views known by: contacting your MP, contacting the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, visiting the Council’s website for more information and a copy of the Council’s draft response (when available). More information and an online petition is available at www.enough-is-enough.org.uk

 

And

 

taking part in the Government consultation directly.

 

As you know, I have been actively campaigning against the White Paper and have worked pretty much continuously since early August to advise as many councillors, residents and MPs, as I possibly could, together with stunts and articles in the media.  Residents and councillors’ clear support will help me a great deal.

 

Supplementary Question:

I am definitely opposed to these planning reforms in their entirety. So you spoke to me the other day saying that you had spoken to Conservative Ministers and MPs, and I hope what you heard from them is not ‘limited and specific’ shall we say.  In the same article, you proposed your own manifesto for the planning system, including a bit which I fully agree with – removal of developers’ ability to avoid obligation through viability.  I wonder if you are aware that a local developer recently received planning permission for a development of 55 one and two bedroom flats in Wokingham town centre, where they pleaded on the basis of viability that they should supply absolutely zero affordable housing.  That local developer was Wokingham Borough Council.  I think I referred to this decision at Planning Committee as ‘morally repugnant.’  Will you ensure that this Council sets a clear example, rectifies its mistake, and puts affordable housing in this WBC owned and built development?

 

Supplementary Answer:

I honestly cannot talk about specific planning applications.  First of all I do not know about it in detail and I am not sure at what stage of the process that it is, so it would be wrong for me to do so.

 

Let me assure you that our Core Strategy, which has now been in existence for 10 years, has a 35% affordable housing requirement.  We gave a commitment, this administration, to build social houses, and for want of a better word, council homes.  We gave a commitment to build 1000 in 4 years and we look as if we are going to better that.  Yes, we are very committed to providing homes which people can afford to buy on their incomes, or rent.