24th July 2010, 12:12 AM
Given that the (mostly middle class dormitory) villages round here are Conservation Areas and populated by Nimbys, they tend to oppose new development anyway. The blanket condition that develpment will be 'in keeping' doesn't sound too far off the tenet to 'preserve or enhance the character' that underpins Conservation Areas. That, in itself is surely no bad thing.
Unit of 1 : Given that Development Control is one of the few bits of your average council that can meet many of their costs by charging developers (planning fees), you are (as usual) talking a load of rot. Also, EIAs for 20 houses? Since when?
This is a weird bit of potential legislation though... Firstly Local Plans and housing allocations may still be quite valid, and still have a lot of life in them. And Councils have generally put a lot of effort into identifying housing capacity (not to mention, in line with regional targets in Regional Plans - now binned). It's all a bit 'baby out with the bathwater'. It will also do little to address genuine housing need in the south east now these targets and plans have been removed. But will please those who wish to see no development in their twee commuter belt villages (Tory voters).
Unit of 1 : Given that Development Control is one of the few bits of your average council that can meet many of their costs by charging developers (planning fees), you are (as usual) talking a load of rot. Also, EIAs for 20 houses? Since when?
This is a weird bit of potential legislation though... Firstly Local Plans and housing allocations may still be quite valid, and still have a lot of life in them. And Councils have generally put a lot of effort into identifying housing capacity (not to mention, in line with regional targets in Regional Plans - now binned). It's all a bit 'baby out with the bathwater'. It will also do little to address genuine housing need in the south east now these targets and plans have been removed. But will please those who wish to see no development in their twee commuter belt villages (Tory voters).