‘Right to Build’ extended across the country

THE power to build shops and houses for the benefit of the community will be placed into the hands of more local residents, the Government has announced.

Housing Minister Grant Shapps MP has revealed the Government’s new Localism Bill will extend ‘Community Right to Build’ measures across England.

Previously, this new right was to be restricted only to rural areas but Mr Shapps confirmed that communities across the country would also be able to use these powers.

In July, Ministers kicked off a national debate about plans for a new Community Right to Build, which will shift power from Government to local neighbourhoods, enabling them to deliver the new homes, shops and facilities they want.

Any community organisation bringing forward new developments under this power will not need to make a normal application for planning permission, if it meets minimum criteria and has local support through a referendum.

The cut off point for a project to get the go ahead was a 75% vote in favour but this has also been lowered in the Localism Bill, down to 50%.

The Department for Communities and Local Government is also allocating £1bn towards a ‘new homes bonus’, offering cash for councils who allow new homes to be built in their area.

The Government said that, not only would these changes give people greater say over new building in their area, but would also introduce the checks and balances needed to ensure community-led plans fitted into a council’s development vision.

Mr Shapps said: “These community-led developments won’t need normal planning permission, but will instead need to pass the test of public opinion, and gain the support of more than half of voters in a local referendum.

“I hope this will prompt neighbourhoods up and down the country to consider the housing needs of their communities, and take up their right to build.”

The Localism Bill should become law by the middle of next year.