EARLEY Town Council has joined a chorus of voices criticising the Government’s proposal to shake-up the planning system.
Earlier this month, we revealed that Wokingham Borough Council had submitted concerns to the Planning for the Future consultation. Earley Town Council said that the plans would produce some of the most damaging, irreversible impacts on the community in decades.
“We must have a planning system that listens to our residents and reflects local needs,” said Cllr Clive Jones, the Lib Dem leader of the town council.
“Our submission calls for the right types and number of homes to be built in the right places to a high standard that will properly address our Climate Emergency.”
He said that the town council had “argued persuasively” that the proposals would fail to achieve this call, and had practical ideas as to how this could be changed.
This view was supported by Labour councillor Sheena Matthews, who said: “The Planning White Paper fails us in imposing algorithm-generated numbers that undermine local democratic control.
“So-called ‘gentle densification’ is a threat to our green spaces and the quality of life of citizens and won’t help people needing affordable homes.”
Cllr Jones added: “I can assure everyone that we will continue to monitor and lobby the Government on planning and other vital matters on behalf of all residents”.
To read the town council’s submission, visit: www.earley-tc.gov.uk
