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Published: Weds, 16th June - 09.10 GMT
Last Updated: Weds, 16th June - 09.10 GMT
Ban on urban garden
development
Coalition government bans 'garden-grabbing' development in a move that they argue is hugely popular.
Councils in England will now be able to ban development on gardens, the coalition government has announced.
The new administration is trying to put a stop to what they see as the undemocratic ‘swallowing up’ of urban green space.
It is a welcome announcement for homeowners in Hampshire where so-called ‘garden grabbing’ development is at a higher rate than in many other counties.
'Very pleased'
Derek Walde, 58, of Southampton said: “I’m very pleased about this announcement but it’s a shame it couldn’t have come sooner and prevented a development in my road,” he said.
“The gardens are small but yet a three bedroom detached house got approved on a front garden because of undemocratic legislation that we all [the residents] opposed.
“Yes there is a shortage of homes, but this is going to ruin it for everyone already living there just for the benefit of one household,” he added.
Bad idea
However, Labour MP and former housing minister John Healey warned that the decision could be a ‘NIMBYs charter’.
“If the housing market recovers, it will be even more difficult to get a foot in, rented accommodation will be more expensive and it will be council waiting lists that are a lot longer than they are now.
“People will start to see that as a serious mistake in my view,” he added.
A spokesman from the Department for Communities and Local Government said that they are committed to a planning system where local people are heard and at the centre of decision-making.
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