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The public must retain the right to challenge planning applications

MPs attack plan to give housebuilders freedom to build over ‘growth’ zones

The Government's proposals to overhaul England's planning system will remove the right for residents and members of the public to challenge and comment on planning applications in designated growth zones. If the proposals go ahead, developers will not even have to submit planning applications in "growth zones".

There are so many criticisms of the proposals including:

  • a lack of transparency over where homes would be built.
  • the accuracy of official population estimates used to determine housing targets.
  • scrapping Section 106 payments by developers for community amenities.

It is critical to ensure members of the public, especially local residents, continue to have the ability to comment on planning applications.