Press Statement from Nigel Huddleston MP - Huddleston SLAMS Government’s approach to planning after Whitehall power grab
Nigel Huddleston, MP for Droitwich and Evesham, has condemned the Housing Minister’s decision to designate Wychavon District Council under Section 62A of the Town and Country Planning Act. The decision means that developers submitting certain major planning applications can bypass the Council and apply directly to the Planning Inspectorate. 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.
Huddleston has written directly to the Housing Minister, Matthew Pennycook MP, to express his deep disappointment at the decision and has requested that a meeting takes place between the Minister, Wychavon District Council and himself, as the local MP.
Nigel added:
“This decision is an outrage and opens the door to even more unwanted housing development. Worcestershire and Wychavon in particular has already seen a significant increase in development. In fact, when Labour came to power they reduced Birmingham’s housing target by 30% whilst increasing South Worcestershire’s by 80%. 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.”
Nigel will be working alongside Wychavon District Council as they consider options to challenge the Government’s decision.
