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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


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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