At a meeting in Parliament organised by Theresa Villiers MP, Housing Secretary Michael Gove signalled a change of approach from the Government in planning reform.
In 2020, Mr Gove’s predecessor, Robert Jenrick, published the Planning for the Future white paper. This included introducing highly controversial “growth zones” in which development could take place without needing planning permission.
A report by the Daily Telegraph of the meeting, which can be read here, indicated that the Secretary of State told the meeting of MPs that the idea of growth zones had been dropped. Mr Gove is also reported as indicating there will be no stand-alone Planning Bill and that any changes to the planning system would be made as part of the Levelling Up Bill, expected soon from the Government.
Speaking after the meeting, which she chaired, Theresa Villiers MP said “This was a positive and constructive meeting. We have probably over 40 backbench colleagues attend, showing how worried people are about the pressure to allow inappropriate overdevelopment in many constituencies.”
“I have been campaigning against the Planning for the Future white paper proposals and I welcome an indication of a change of direction from the Government.”
“However, there is still more work to be done if we are to remedy the serious concerns expressed at the meeting by backbench MPs. We need to know whether other damaging aspects of the white paper will also be dropped. And reform of the way housing targets and planning appeals currently operate is urgently needed.”
Theresa Villiers has been leading backbench opposition to the Planning for the Future white paper and has also been fighting against planning applications in her Chipping Barnet constituency which would harm the surrounding neighbourhood, including plans for Victoria Quarter, Barnet House, Whalebones and the tube station car parks at Cockfosters and High Barnet.
