Proposed Changes – Mandatory House building targets imposed by Central Government |

The statement by Rt. Hon. Michael Gove MP on 9^th December 2022 introduced many proposed changes to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill which will have a direct impact on Development in the EHDC / Four Marks and Medstead villages. The Bill is currently making it’s way through the House of Lords and is not expected to pass into law until the latter part of 2023. Timetables can, of course, change!

We have outlined below (in plain English) the key changes and summarized what they mean to the residents of Four Marks and Meadstead

We will continue to monitor progress and look forward to all changes being fully embraced by the Local Plan process.

revisions to the bill

relevance to us

Abolish Mandatory House building targets imposed by Central Government

Not mandatory targets imposed by remote central government; therefore, targets are up to EHDC.

57% of land is in a protected National Park, squeezing EHDC Quota into less than half the land will be recognised as unfair and fewer houses need to be planned for.

Four Marks and Medstead are villages, with a rural character which must now be taken into account.

Now to be an advisory starting point, a guide. Local authorities, working with their communities will determine how many homes can be built, taking into account what should be protected in each area—be that Green Belt or national parks, the character of an area, or heritage assets.

Local Authorities will not be expected to build developments at densities that would be wholly out of character.

protect farmland

Further protection in national policy for our important agricultural land for food production, making it harder for developers to build on it.

Previously some sites for 650+ homes, were to be built on productive farmland.

Don’t accept arguments about ‘wrong type of farmland’. Fields around Four Marks produce food for our Nation; much of the land is designated as “Subgrade 3a: Good Quality Agricultural Land”.

local people have greater say

The Planning Inspectorate will no longer be able to override sensible local decision making, which is sensitive to and reflects local constraints and concerns.

Previously some sites for 650+ homes, were to be built on productive Farmland.

Don’t accept arguments about ‘wrong type of farmland’. Fields around Four Marks produce food for our Nation; much of the land is designated as “Subgrade 3a: Good Quality Agricultural Land”.

ends obligation for rolling five-year supply of land for housing

Ends obligation for rolling five-year supply of land for housing to be identified by the Local Authority.

Eliminates the cumbersome and highly restrictive need to identify a 5 year Land Supply for building.

credit for historic overbuilding

Areas that have overdelivered on housing can reduce the number of houses they need to plan for in a new Local Plan.

As part of East Hants District, Four Marks has historically absorbed an unfair proportion of the district’s housing numbers, leading to a reduction in our previous target. Current Local Plan stated minimum of 175 new homes by 2028, we are already at 625 by 2017

prevent land-banking

Bill to ensure developers build out the developments for which they already have planning… allowing local planning authorities to refuse planning applications from developers who have built slowly in the past.

One site in the south of our District has not built out on a major site causing additional pressures on the remaining parts of the county.

use brownfield first

Set different levy rates in different areas, for example lower rates on brownfield over greenfield to increase the potential for brownfield development.

Increase use of Brownfield sites to protect greenfield, especially productive Farmland.

Infrastructure levy to be higher for Brownfield sites.