National Planning Policy Framework

Debate between Hilary Benn and Anna Soubry

Thursday 20th October 2011 Commons Chamber

[Hilary Benn]

My hon. Friend makes an extremely powerful point. Such responses created considerable concern while the NPPF was being considered.

[Anna Soubry (Broxtowe) (Con)]

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that it is most unfortunate that my Labour-led borough council in Broxtowe has not only accepted the RSS target figure of 6,000 new houses, which means that 4,000 houses will be built on my green belt in Broxtowe, but is not waiting for the Localism Bill or the framework, which will protect the green belt? Will he speak to the Labour party in Broxtowe, urge it to pause and accept the Localism Bill and abandon the RSS targets that his Government laid down?

[Hilary Benn]

It sounds like the hon. Lady is describing localism in action. If the Government say that local councils should be able to take their own decisions—that point was made forcefully by the Minister—Government Members should accept that as a way of proceeding.