Chloe calls for more local control over planning

Chloe Smith today wrote to the new Communities and Local Government Secretary, applauding moves to abolish centrally-imposed housing targets and return powers to local councils and communities, and seeking further information on the impact of key policies on Norfolk.

Chloe tells the Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP:

"I am delighted that you and our coalition government will take steps to abolish Regional Spatial Strategies and return decision-making powers on housing and planning to local councils.

"I represent an urban and suburban area, bordering the rural Broadland area, which was allocated sizeable housing targets by the last government. We are perhaps in a unique position, firstly as a ‘Growth Point' designated by the last government, and secondly as four councils have already come together to form the Greater Norwich Development Partnership (GNDP)."

She asks for more detail on:

1. How the new government will treat existing development plans;
2. How the government envisages new decision-making working; and
3. What timetable Mr Pickles envisages employing for the shift in powers.

Chloe comments: "I am delighted that this government is set to carry through on its pledges to make sure power shifts to local communities. It is very important to many people in and around the Norwich area for housing and development to be done in a sensitive way, with local people in control rather than planners in Whitehall. I am looking forward to more detail being set out shortly."

In the same letter, Chloe also quizzes the Secretary of State on his intentions in relation to the East of England Development Agency, following his pledge to abolish RDAs where desired by local communities.