Government likely to abandon parts of planning proposals in a major win

Put local communities in charge of planning affordable homes and protecting the environment, says CPRE, as a major scrapping of unpopular government plans looks likely.

Several newspapers have today run stories indicating that the government is set to walk back on some of its deeply unpopular plans for shaking up the planning system.

Commenting on this reported rethink of the government’s planning proposals, Tom Fyans, our deputy chief executive, said:

‘The devil will be in the detail, but it looks as though some of the most damaging proposals of what was a top-down developers’ charter have been rightly binned. However, the government must not shy away from overhauling a tired planning system to make it fit for the multiple challenges of the 21st century.’

‘Local communities need a stronger right to be heard in local decisions; brownfield sites must automatically be developed first to help protect local green spaces and our Green Belts in the fight against climate change; and young people and key workers desperately need more funding for rural affordable homes.

‘Positive changes to the planning system are long overdue – in future, it’s vital local communities are empowered to protect their precious green spaces while delivering the affordable homes they desperately need and, at the same time, responding to the climate emergency by regenerating the countryside.

‘This decision by ministers is a victory for common sense and local campaigners all across the country who just wanted a proper say on the needs of their communities and how their area should be developed. We look forward to working with the government on creating a planning system that puts the needs of local communities ahead of developer’s profits.’

A campaign win for CPRE – and for everyone

At CPRE, we’ve been challenging the government on these unpopular and damaging plans since they were first announced in 2020. We’ve worked alongside other charities and organisations, too, to warn against pushing ahead with proposals that stood to cut out local people, limit local democracy and harm nature and wildlife.

Want to keep standing with us to make sure that the countryside doesn’t get forgotten in future government plans? Donate or become a member now, from as little as £5 a month, to help us care for the countryside and stand up for local democracy.