There are some big changes coming to the planning system soon, which will have a positive impact for communities across Rushcliffe. Planning is one of the top issues people discuss with me and I know many people in Ruddington and the surrounding area are concerned about the extent of recent development.
The changes proposed in the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill will empower local councils and communities to protect green spaces, regenerate brownfield sites and rejuvenate high streets. Some of the important reforms include:
- Abolishing the Duty to Cooperate, which is a planning rule that has enabled neighbouring councils to push thousands of houses, which should have been built in Nottingham, into Rushcliffe over the last 8 years
- Introducing Street Vote powers, which give residents a greater say on property types and design on their street, and give local plans more legal weight with direct input from the community
- Introducing a new Infrastructure Levy, which ensures developers are making a fairer contribution to new infrastructure
- Protect against “land banking” by holding developers to a set timeframe for building new developments.
I’ll be writing to everyone in Ruddington with more specific details of what’s in the Bill and how we’ll benefit in Rushcliffe. In the meantime, you can let me know your thoughts on the planning system and housing through the planning survey on my website here: ruthedwards.org.uk.
I’d like to thank everyone that came to speak to me at the Village Market in July. Nicola Brindley also joined me to talk to residents about the J9 initiative and how we’re building a network of safe spaces for survivors of domestic abuse in Ruddington and across Rushcliffe, where they can go to access help.
We’ll be taking the J9 initiative to Parliament soon, in the hope that more MPs from all parties take it home to their constituencies and create their own network of safe spaces. After that, we’re looking at holding our next session in Keyworth; if you’re interested in attending future session, please email me at ruth.edwards.mp@parliament.uk.
Ruth Edwards, MP