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MP reveals dramatic rise in Garden-Grabbing
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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 |
