Oral Answers to Questions Debate

Full Debate: Read Full Debate

Oral Answers to Questions

Greg Mulholland Excerpts
Monday 6th June 2016

(8 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text
Greg Clark Portrait Greg Clark
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend. Neighbourhood plans are one of the most important successes of the Localism Act 2011 and they are catching fire across the country as more and more communities want to be able to shape the character of their communities. It is notable that when they go to referendum, the average yes vote is 89%. I think either side of the referendum campaign would regard that as emphatic.

Greg Mulholland Portrait Greg Mulholland (Leeds North West) (LD)
- Hansard - -

Some councils, including Leeds City Council, are prioritising “easy” areas with neighbourhood plans and ignoring and not properly assisting those where it is difficult and there are huge pressures, such as Aireborough. Will the Secretary of State look at the guidance issued to councils, particularly as developers can carry on developing even though neighbourhood plans are being produced?

Greg Clark Portrait Greg Clark
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

I hope the hon. Gentleman will involve himself in the scrutiny of the new Bill, which is designed to help precisely those neighbourhoods where support from the local authority has not always been forthcoming and enthusiastic, so that they can insist on that and proceed apace.