Local Authorities: Local Plans

Lord Teverson Excerpts

Tuesday 25th February 2014 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Stowell of Beeston]

As my noble friend knows, the policy is clear that, through local plans, local authorities should plan to meet housing needs and the needs of Gypsies and Travellers. This Government do not impose or monitor targets, but the Planning Inspectorate is applying the policy robustly in examining local plans.

[Lord Teverson (LD)]

My Lords, someone well beyond my pay grade has suggested that villages should be able to expand with small and proportionate developments in order to ensure that we build housing in rural areas and make villages vital communities again. Would the Government agree with that?

[Baroness Stowell of Beeston]

The most important thing as far as planning is concerned—which is why we are so committed to local plans—is that all housing decisions be locally driven.