Coalition proposals for 'right to build' will undermine local authorities says RTPI

The Royal Town Planning Institute has responded to the announcement by Rt Hon. Grant Shapps MP of the ‘Community Right to Build’, warning that the proposals will overturn the long established and key role of elected members and local authorities within the English planning system.

Jamie Hodge, spokesperson for the RTPI said:

‘”It is clearly vital that we look at innovative proposals to provide more much-needed affordable housing and other developments, especially in rural areas. However we believe that local plans, developed by elected members in partnership with local people and businesses are the most democratic way to deliver the aspirations of local communities for housing provision.

Proper planning scrutiny has served us well whereas this proposal appears to disempower local authorities by removing their right to determine development proposals and may mean that new housing built as a result may conflict with existing wider community priorities, and will only have to meet nationally prescribed minimum standards, even if the local authority wishes to see higher design standards in its own area”.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. Community Right to Build proposals

Grant Shapps’ announcement and further details can be found here.

2. RTPI: The Royal Town Planning Institute

The RTPI is the largest professional institute for planners in Europe, with over 22,000 members who serve in government, local government and as advisors in the private sector. It is a charity with the purpose to develop the art and science of town planning for the benefit of the public as a whole. As well as promoting spatial planning, RTPI develops and shapes policy affecting the built environment, works to raise professional standards and supports members through continuous education, training and development.

Royal Town Planning Institute

41 Botolph Lane, London, EC3R 8DL

RTPI, a charity registered in England 262865 and Scotland SC 037841

www.rtpi.org.uk

Author:

Jamie Hodge

Publisher:

The Royal Town Planning Institute

Date:

23-Jul-10

Categories:

 

Sections:

News & Media , The RTPI

This article has been read 2470 times.