‘Right to build’ policy publicised

The Government issued an e-leaflet this month to publicise their ‘right to build’ idea. The proposed strategy, which is to form part of the Localism Bill which the administration plans to publish later this year, involves giving community organisations the freedom to permit new local developments without a specific application for planning permission, as long as there is overwhelming community backing in a local referendum.
Any surplus made from the sale or renting of homes would be recycled for the benefit of the community. But community organisations would not be restricted to just building family homes - they could choose to build sheltered housing for the elderly, or set aside plots for people to build their own homes. They could even offer long-term, low rent deals for local shops, community halls or sports facilities.
The Campaign to Protect Rural England and the Royal Town Planning Institute have both questioned the proposals, however, preferring that the development plan system form the basis of decisions rather than simple public ballots.
PDP will keep a very close eye on relevant legislative developments over the coming months and would be happy to advise any individuals or community groups wanting to understand the implications of the policy changes further.