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MP reveals dramatic rise in Garden-Grabbing

New statistics obtained by Richard Benyon, MP, shows that 16%, up from 7% in one year, of new homes in West Berkshire are being built on former back gardens. The figures were revealed as a Conservative Bill to close the planning loophole that defines gardens as brownfield sites came back to the House of Commons on 15 June. Under present planning rules, because gardens are classed as brownfield sites – just like a derelict factory or railway siding – they are subject to a presumption in favour of development. This means that it is difficult for local councils to refuse planning permission without the risk that their decision is overturned by the Planning Inspectorate, which enforces Government planning policy. The loophole has led to mature family homes being demolished and replaced by apartment blocks and carparks covering the whole footprint of the site – house and garden included. Richard Benyon, MP, said, “The statistics speak for themselves; doubling of building of new homes on previously residential land in one year shows the depth of the problem in West Berkshire. What will our villages, or areas like the Andover Road in Newbury, look like if the definition of brownfield land is not changed?” 18/06/07 Related stories: May Concerned About Development of Gardens MP Welcomes Crown Estate Rethink Over Valley Gardens May Wants More Time For Housing Plans Rob Wilson to lead “Knives Cost Lives” petition £1m cost of "daft idea" Wilson welcomes rail Minister to Reading East constituency May leads fight against “reckless” laws for late-night drinking Bus Minister Told of Cleaner Future Experience as Binman was far from Rubbish Says MP Wilson Mail Closures Salter asks DEFRA to reverse cuts to fisheries budget

In this section: Benyon promoted MP calls for more to be done to raise the plight of wounded servicemen MP reveals dramatic rise in Garden-Grabbing Benyon writes to Lord Chancellor Former Liberal Democrats welcome in today’s Conservative Party Harsh words for media over Middleton affair Benyon attacks drug team cuts Benyon: "Labour's new tax is a con" Benyon calls for better NHS treatment for people with learning difficulties

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Jon Davey is a Social Media Director based in Windsor, Berkshire UK. These short videos aim to both educate those interested on how to boost their social media profile, both online and offline, while at the same time helping Jon's own profile by being indexed rapidly by the search engines and YouTube. Social Media is made up of two words ... social & ... you've got it media ! This means that it is not just about online marketing, offline is key as well. Your goal should perhaps be to recognised online by your industry and locally offline. Please review one or two of the videos below, score them on You Tube and add your comments ... it all helps ... they are in reverse order of popularity when last checked inorder to help the lesser clicked!! Thank you and enjoy ...

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