news story

22nd July 2008

Government Sneaks Out Housing Plans for South West

Northavon MP Steve Webb has condemned the Government for 'sneaking out' plans for a huge increase in house-building across the South West on the last day before Parliament rises for the Summer recess.

For several years local councillors across the South West have been drawing up a draft 'spatial strategy' for the region to include issues such as employment, transport and housing. Last December, an 'independent panel' produced a revised plan which substantially increased the number of houses planned. This revised plan was sent to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Hazel Blears, in January 2008.

The Minister was expected to respond by Easter but instead has waited until Parliament's last sitting day in July before publishing her response and starting a 12 week public consultation - most of which will take place over the Summer and early Autumn when Parliament is not sitting.

Steve Webb said:

"It is an outrage that the Government has sat on this document for six months and now plans to run a consultation over the Summer.

"People could be forgiven for being cynical about the Government's motives. If they are serious about proper consultation they should extend the time period to give Parliament and local authorities proper chance to discuss these controversial plans".