Ben Howlett, the Member of Parliament for Bath, used the recent Communities and Local Government questions to champion changes to the planning act which should help develop currently unused brownfield sites.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Ben said: “In Bath, all our brownfield sites will be developed by 2025 to 2030, with the only nearby sites being the brownfield land south of Bristol that has been left undeveloped for decades by the Labour council and Labour Mayor of Bristol.
“Does my hon. Friend agree that the changes in the last planning Act and the infrastructure Bill will make a huge difference to developing brownfield land across the whole of the south of Bristol and west of England?’
In reply Gavin Barwell, the Minister of State for Housing and Planning said: ‘My hon. Friend makes a good point. Brownfield registers and permission in principle can make a big contribution to ensuring that as much development as possible goes on to brownfield sites.
“The example he gives also shows the benefit of sometimes working across councils, as is happening in Greater Manchester, to plan for strategic housing needs.’
Upon leaving the chamber, Ben said: “I am pleased with the changes coming in the Infrastructure Act which will make house building on unutilised brownfield sites easier and quicker.
“This, coupled with the building of more housing, will make it easier for Bath residents to take the big step onto the housing ladder. I also agree with the Minister that it is crucial that we work across council borders to develop brown field sites where possible.
“This is why a West of England Mayor will be helpful as there will be a figure working across borders to ensure cooperation.
“The Hicks Gate South of Bristol Ring Road as set out in the West of England Devolution plan will unlock hundreds of hectares of undeveloped brownfield land helping even more local people to get on the property ladder.”
