New planning rules reduce local control
The government’s new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) represents a step backwards for local democracy and sustainable development. By allowing planning officers to approve developments without councillors’ input, it sidelines local communities and prioritises profit-driven developers over genuine need. In St Albans, this approach risks creating more high-cost, car-dependent homes that fail to address our affordability crisis.
Grey belt is not a solution
The so-called “grey belt” offers no real solution to land shortages in St Albans. Sites such as quarries, car parks and golf courses are limited and often unsuitable for housing. This definition doesn’t magically create viable land – it simply opens the door to inappropriate and environmentally damaging developments. In a district already under pressure, this could lead to conflict between competing priorities like green space preservation, food security, and nature recovery.
Changes make planning harder
Rather than working to the Council’s advantage, these changes will make things harder. By bypassing local decision-making, they risk imposing poorly planned developments that fail to meet community needs.
Thousands of approved homes remain unbuilt
There are already thousands of unbuilt homes nationwide with planning permission, yet the government ignores this bottleneck, blaming councils instead. The new targets will impose inappropriate developments on our green spaces while neglecting vital infrastructure like GP surgeries, schools, and public transport.
We need homes that meet local needs
St Albans needs the right homes in the right places – high-quality, affordable social housing that meets local needs and adheres to strict environmental standards. Developers must be held accountable for delivering these homes while contributing to essential services, not just profits.
The government’s framing of this as a battle between “builders and blockers” is an insult to residents who understand the need for balance – protecting nature and ensuring food security alongside meeting housing demand. Green councillors in St Albans will continue to fight for truly affordable, sustainable housing while opposing damaging developments that threaten our environment and community wellbeing.
Local democracy must not be bulldozed.