Agenda item

To consider the first of two motions on notice regarding reforms to the planning system. This motion has been submitted by Councillor Matthews (proposer) and Councillor Dant (seconder) and is included in the agenda papers along with an officer briefing note which covers both motions.

The following motion of which notice had been given to the Chief Executive in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 15 was moved by Councillor Matthews and seconded by Councillor Dant:-

“The Government has published highly controversial proposals to reform the planning system. 

One aspect that has raised particular concern for local authorities is the proposal to remove local residents’ right to object to individual planning applications in their own neighbourhood if the area is zoned for growth or renewal. 

Last month, the House of Commons called on the Government to protect residents’ rights to retain a voice over planning applications, recognising that the best way to get necessary new homes built is to support communities, councils, and developers to work in partnership.

A motion was passed by the House of Commons, with support from MPs of all political parties, supporting the principle of protecting residents’ right to a say over individual planning applications in their own area.

Many local people have already expressed anger that this long-established democratic right is under threat. 

Lancaster City Council believes: 

That planning works best when developers and the local community work together to shape local areas and deliver necessary new homes; and therefore, calls on the Government to protect the right of communities to object to individual planning applications. 

The City Council therefore resolves: 

To write to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to ask the Government to protect the right of communities to object to individual planning applications, expressing the concerns above.”

The motion was accompanied on the agenda by a briefing note from officers.

Councillor Thornberry noted that there were two very similar motions on the agenda regarding planning. She proposed the following amendment and informed the Mayor that, if her amendment was accepted, she would withdraw the similar motion she had submitted at item 11 on the agenda.

“To insert the following into the motion:

The Council notes that:

·       There is an urgent local need for affordable housing

·       There are major concerns about development worsening flooding

·       Lancaster City Council Cabinet has just approved a consultation draft of updates to the local plan to strengthen our response to the climate emergency, these are issues which could be ignored or bypassed if local involvement in planning is reduced

·       Planning works best when developers and the local community work together to shape local areas and deliver sustainable, affordable, accessible and necessary new homes

·       The Government’s proposed planning changes are a threat to local democracy and involvement.”

The amendment, which was seconded by Councillor Robinson, was accepted as a friendly amendment by Councillor Matthews and Councillor Dant.

After a short debate, the motion was put to the vote and clearly carried.

Resolved:

The Government has published highly controversial proposals to reform the planning system. 

One aspect that has raised particular concern for local authorities is the proposal to remove local residents’ right to object to individual planning applications in their own neighbourhood if the area is zoned for growth or renewal. 

Last month, the House of Commons called on the Government to protect residents’ rights to retain a voice over planning applications, recognising that the best way to get necessary new homes built is to support communities, councils, and developers to work in partnership.

A motion was passed by the House of Commons, with support from MPs of all political parties, supporting the principle of protecting residents’ right to a say over individual planning applications in their own area.

Many local people have already expressed anger that this long-established democratic right is under threat. 

The Council notes that:

·       There is an urgent local need for affordable housing

·       There are major concerns about development worsening flooding

·       Lancaster City Council Cabinet has just approved a consultation draft of updates to the local plan to strengthen our response to the climate emergency, these are issues which could be ignored or bypassed if local involvement in planning is reduced

·       Planning works best when developers and the local community work together to shape local areas and deliver sustainable, affordable, accessible and necessary new homes

·       The Government’s proposed planning changes are a threat to local democracy and involvement.

Lancaster City Council believes: 

·       That planning works best when developers and the local community work together to shape local areas and deliver necessary new homes; and therefore, calls on the Government to protect the right of communities to object to individual planning applications. 

The City Council therefore resolves: 

·       To write to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to ask the Government to protect the right of communities to object to individual planning applications, expressing the concerns above.