CHANGES to local government and the way opposition to housebuilding is dealt with would “eat away at local democracy”, the chair of Lichfield Civic Society has said.
The Government has unveiled proposals which could see increases in the amount of new homes councils need to build.
Under the plans, which were unveiled last year, Lichfield District Council could need to ensure a supply of 4,944 new homes each year – an increase of 2,798 from previous figures.
But writing in her group’s newsletter, Bernice Eisner, chair of Lichfield Civic Society, said the proposals – along with those to introduce large unitary authorities to replace two-tier council areas – could have a huge impact on local democracy.
“Understandably, the new Government wishes to press ahead with the construction of much-needed housing.
“However, this Government also appears intent on railroading local planning authorities into facilitating massive housebuilding schemes while ignoring opinions expressed by local people.
“To make it even easier to disregard the views of local residents, the Government proposes to collapse the levels of local government.
“Lichfield District Council – which is our local planning authority – would disappear and be subsumed into a larger council or authority. Decision-making would thus become more remote and the ability of local residents to make their views heard properly be impaired.
“In short, these proposals eat away at local democracy.”
Announcing the new housebuilding proposals in August, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, said the move would be a “significant step” for the country.
She said:
“Our decisive reforms to the planning system correct the errors of the past and set us on our way to tackling the housing crisis, delivering 1.5 million homes for those who really need them.
“And something I am personally proud of, our new flexibilities for councils will boost the number of social and affordable homes, and give working families a better route to a secure home.”
But Cllr Doug Pullen, leader of Lichfield District Council, branded the new figures “simply unsustainable”.
He said:
“We know that creating communities in our district is important.
“Young families should be able to get on the housing ladder near to the communities they grew up in, but such a drastic increase will create real challenges for Lichfield District and feels simply unsustainable.”
