Last week the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill received its Second Reading in the House of Commons and I was pleased to have the opportunity to highlight the importance of strengthening planning enforcement as part of this legislation, so we can clamp down on those who seek to profit from breaking planning rules. You can view my intervention, and the Secretary of State's response above.
This Bill contains a large number of measures to support Levelling Up and bring improvements to all our communities across the UK. I am delighted that the Government listened to concerns raised over previous planned reforms to our planning system (see my previous consultation responses here and here) and especially that local resident input into planning decisions is to be retained and strengthened.
I will be working with Ministers as this Bill progresses, not only on ways to introduced the strengthened enforcement regime as I set out in my Planning (Enforcement) Bill, but also on making housing development take into account local circumstances, the protection of green belt and non-development on areas at high risk of flooding and the impact of cumulative development on flood planes, to ensure new housing is sustainable and that social and affordable housing is prioritised. If you would like to receive updates on my work in this area, you may wish to sign up to receive my monthly newsletter at www.runnymedeandweybridge.news.
