'A Declaration of War': Councils Resist Labour's Housing Goals
A developer has written to Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook after a local council rejected a planning application just 24 hours after being directed to approve it. This incident highlights escalating tensions between councils and ministers, who are desperate to meet their target of building 1.5 million new homes in England by the end of the parliament.
Defiance in the Face of Ministerial Authority
In a striking case shared with Sky News, Three Rivers District Council, located northwest of London, refused a planning application for a 256-home development. This decision came despite explicit instructions from Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook to approve the project the previous day. Councillors on the planning committee voted 10 to refuse, with one abstention, citing concerns over potential harm to the green belt, flooding risks, and the loss of hedgerows.
However, the council's own planning officer had recommended approval, concluding that the site met the government's definition of "grey belt" and that the benefits of the scheme outweighed any adverse impacts on local character and landscape.
Developer's Strong Reaction
Burlington Property Group has responded by writing to Mr. Pennycook, labeling the council's decision as "a direct affront to your ministerial authority; it is nothing short of a 'declaration of war' on the government's core policy objective to increase the delivery of new homes." The developer is urging the minister to "call in" or override the council's decision, emphasizing the need for local authorities to align with national housing policies.
The council did not respond to requests for comment from Sky News, underscoring the growing friction between ministers and councils over planning approvals. This tension persists despite recent changes to planning laws and a government priority on growth above all else.
Sky News Investigation Reveals Costly Decisions
Sky News has conducted a four-month investigation using Freedom of Information laws to interrogate every local planning council in England. The findings reveal that unreasonable planning decisions have resulted in over £20 million in costs paid out. This marks the first-ever league table of councils with high numbers of overturned decisions and significant costs incurred.
Councils with Most 'Unreasonable Decisions' Since 2019:
- Cornwall Council - 40
- North Yorkshire Council - 38
- Bromley London Borough Council - 27
- Wiltshire Council - 25
- Dorset Council - 21
- Enfield London Borough Council - 19*
- Wychavon District Council - 17
- Tandridge District Council - 16
- Elmbridge Borough Council - 14
- Epping Forest District Council - 13*
*Incomplete data.
More than 100 local councils did not respond to the FOI requests, while hundreds provided only partial data. Central government does not collect information on the number of council planning decisions deemed "unreasonable" by the Planning Inspectorate, making this investigation a pioneering effort.
Political Implications and Future Prospects
Ministers plan a major intervention after the local elections but are cautious about discussing planning issues before polling day in May. This hesitation stems from concerns that such discussions could disadvantage Labour council candidates who appeal to voters opposing developments.
The government has already enacted the Planning and Infrastructure Act in February, aiming to overhaul the planning system. However, critics argue that it retains too much of the current framework, allowing councils to obstruct swift and fair decisions. Privately, some government figures welcome the Sky News research for highlighting a significant problem they intend to address.
Despite discussions about a second planning bill, it has been shelved due to perceived difficulties. As the next general election approaches, MPs are becoming increasingly wary of decisions that disempower communities, making the 1.5 million new homes target seem more distant.
Councils defend their actions by stating they aim to keep costs low and sometimes win costs in cases appealed by developers. The ongoing conflict between the need for housing and community opposition underscores the challenges in achieving Labour's ambitious housing objectives.
