Labour's housing targets and planning reform will urbanise rural Buckinghamshire, writes Martin Tett, the leader of Buckinghamshire Council.

It's time for the voices of Buckinghamshire’s people to be heard. The new Government is proposing big changes in Planning law that will result in a transformation of the rural and semi-rural Buckinghamshire we know into a far more urban one, with much of our countryside lost for ever. Huge housing targets to meet, vast solar farms, a mega prison, numerous data centres and the prospect of a large new town on top! How much will be left of rural Buckinghamshire?

The reforms are a developer’s charter. The government is reneging on its manifesto commitment to build 300,000 houses annually by increasing that to at least 370,000 every year. They are also proposing a new allocation system that will put the majority of these houses in green field and Green Belt sites in areas like Buckinghamshire.  Compared to the previous system the numbers for Buckinghamshire soar by 42 per cent. By contrast, nearby London and Luton where the housing need is greatest, actually see their targets cut. The Conservative Government’s methodology which allowed for flexibility due to constraints such as the Green Belt and Chilterns AONB will be swept away. The reintroduced need for a 5 year supply of building land will allow builders to effectively determine where they build. not local people.

Of course, with a rapidly rising population we will need new housing but this should be Local Plan led, after consultation with local people. It should prioritise derelict ‘Brown Field’ sites, protect our most beautiful areas and prevent urban sprawl. The government must also fund key infrastructure such as roads, doctors’ surgeries, schools etc.

The Government is currently running its consultation on its proposals during the holiday season. The council will be responding but it is also important that the voices are heard of all Bucks residents whose towns and villages will be impacted by these changes. Whether you support or oppose the proposals now is the time to speak, not after they become law and the council is forced to implement them.  Read the proposals at: Proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)