A new investigation by the BBC has found that councils in the east of England are “frightened” to reject plans for new housing.
It seems many councils are either reluctantly approving schemes they would otherwise reject because they know the inspector will go against them at appeal. Appeals cost a lot of money, so councils are opting to give in rather than fight.
This mirrors the situation in Hart District where we are being lumbered with a housing target that is far too high, we don’t yet have a local plan so the council is having to push through ill-advised development because they suspect the inspector will find against them.
The only way to change this is by popular support, so please sign the We Heart Hart petition.
We need strong leadership, a well thought out housing strategy and a rethink on how the planning system works – is the appeal inspector really working for the best of local areas or their own agenda. Why don’t they respect local decisions.