STOP ROGUE DEVELOPMENT AND PROTECT
OUR COUNTRYSIDE
Every year hundreds of communities are blighted by rogue development
Planning policy is complex, and let’s face it, not the most interesting of topics to many people. But when people fail to follow the rules the impact on neighbours and communities can be devastating.
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While most people adhere to the rules, the minority who intentionally breach planning rules can cause misery to neighbours and our communities, and can cause irreparable damage to our Green Belt. Since 2019 I have been made aware of numerous cases where repeated planning breaches have caused significant disruption, anxiety and anger amongst neighbouring residents.
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Which is why I am campaigning to strengthen powers to deal with repeated planning breaches. Following on from my Private Member's Bill - the Planning (Enforcement Bill) last year, I was delighted that the Government have accepted one of my proposals as part of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill. This will now create a national planning database so local authorities can share information on planning issues more easily.
To build upon this, I have tabled amendments to the Levelling Up Bill which would add the additional provisions from my PMB. If accepted these would increase the penalties for those who repeatedly and intentionally flout the law and allow local authorities take previous planning breaches into account when determining new applications. ​
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I hope you will back these amendments and we can end the cycle of endless applications and planning breaches on problem sites, and help protect our residents and our natural environment.
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Best Wishes,
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Dr Ben Spencer MP