Currently planning is governed by the National Planning Policy Framework which is based on a presumption in favour of development. Each planning district produces its own Local Plan (in the case of Folkestone Hythe & District this is the Core Strategy and the Place and Policies Local Plan) which sets out local planning policies and the sites that has been earmarked for development. Local Plans have to be consistent with the NPPF.
Planning applications are then determined in accordance with the Local Plan unless there are material considerations which would justify a diversion from the Plan.
The Green Party would replace the NPPF with spatial plans that preserve ecological habitats and prioritise council house building on brownfield sites. A new developer’s duty will ensure that a greater share of the profits that are created when new homes are built goes back to the council to be spent on new council homes and accessible green spaces for the community. We see building council houses as an investment.
The developer’s duty is part of our wider Land Value Tax policy which is a system of local taxation based on the value of the land not the buildings or improvements on it. This would replace council tax and business rates.
Local Planning Authorities currently have to meet housing targets based on Objectively Assessed Need which is calculated using Government guidelines. If a council fails to deliver on these externally set numbers then it could be a free for all with developers being able to build wherever they like.
We would allow councils to assess and meet their own housing needs removing the top down imposition of housing numbers.
We would give local authorities compulsory purchase powers to buy land parcels at existing use value rather than the inflated values that apply as soon as land is suggested for development.
Councils would be held accountable for planning decisions not only through elections but also though a new power to give local communities the ability to secure a referendum on local government decisions if 40% of the electorate backs it.
We believe that planning decisions should be made locally so we support neighbourhood plans. Current central government plans would make this even less the case, allowing developers to bypass local councils and communities.
