MP for Droitwich and Evesham Nigel Huddleston has waded into the row about the Government’s decision to take major planning decisions from Wychavon District Council.
He ‘condemned’ the Housing Minister’s decision to designate Wychavon District Council under Section 62A of the Town and Country Planning Act, meaning developers submitting certain planning applications can bypass the council and apply directly to the Planning Inspectorate.
He said the decision fails to take into account the ‘clear and robust evidence’ of the improvement of Wychavon’s planning service – despite this information having been presented to the Housing Ministry (MHCLG) back in April – and ‘severely undermines local democratic processes’.
Mr Huddleston has written to the Housing Minister, Matthew Pennycook MP, to express his deep disappointment at the decision and requested that a meeting take place between the minister, Wychavon District Council, and himself.
Nigel added: “This decision is an outrage and opens the door to even more unwanted housing development.
“Worcestershire and Wychavon in particular have already seen a significant increase in development.
According to the MP, when the Labour Government came to power, it reduced Birmingham’s housing target by 30 per cent whilst increasing South Worcestershire’s by 80 per cent.
“This is the latest example of the “Whitehall knows best” approach which is already causing so much damage to rural areas.
“We need more housing, but it needs to be in the right place and with the right supporting infrastructure and I fear this decision will result in more unsustainable development in our area.
“I can assure constituents that I will be standing up for them against this Labour government power grab,” he added.
Nigel said he will work alongside Wychavon District Council as they consider options to challenge the Government’s decision.
He has also launched a local survey which can be found here.
