The petition of residents of South Holland and the Deepings,
Declares that South Kesteven District Council should reconsider its plan to develop Mill Field, one of the few remaining green fields within the parish of Market Deeping, given that Lincolnshire County Council, which owns the field, has put it forward as suitable for large housing development; notes that Mill Field is an intrinsic part of the rural character of the local area, and should be protected given its historical use for community events and so it can continue to provide residents with space for informal recreation; further notes that planning policy is clear that local communities should not have unwanted development forced upon them.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges South Kesteven District Council to protect Mill Field from development and removes Mill Field from their draft local plan and designates it as a Local Green Space, so protecting it for future generations in perpetuity.
And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Sir John Hayes, Official Report, 30 July 2024; Vol. 752, c. 1281.]
[P003004]
Observations from The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook):
The Petitioners have made clear their concern at the possible development of land in the Market Deeping area for new homes. Ministers have a quasi-judicial role in the planning system and cannot comment on local planning matters. However, it may be helpful to set out the aspects of the planning system designed to ensure communities shape house building in their area while delivering the houses we need.
This Government recognise the importance of green space within settlements, of greenfield land in general, and of accessible open space for outdoor sport and recreation. National planning policy is currently set out in the national planning policy framework of December 2023. For instance, the framework asks local authorities to protect and enhance valued landscapes and sites of biodiversity, and to recognise the character and beauty of the countryside.
Local plans are the key documents through which local authorities can establish a vision and framework for the future development of their areas, engaging with their communities in doing so. Local plans address needs and opportunities in relation to housing, the local economy, community facilities and infrastructure. Where land is demonstrably special to a local community, for example because of its beauty, recreational value, or richness of wildlife, communities can use local or neighbourhood plans to designate an area as local green space.
Ultimately, this is a matter for the local authority. While central Government set planning policy for England through the national planning policy framework, elected local authorities are responsible for planning their areas. Local plans indicate how land should be used, the type and location of future development, and areas where development should be restrained.