Labour Government ‘Silencing Local Voices’ with new planning changes

The Government have come under fire for yet again changing planning policy and removing autonomy from local councils. According to new announcements, the Housing Minister will soon have the ability to overrule a local authority who reject a housing development application of 150 homes or more. This has been among a number of measures since the 2024 general election that sees Local Authorities have their planning powers watered down, and instructions altered.

Cllr Jake Austin, Cabinet Member for Housing & Environment, said: "Once again, government has moved the goalposts on planning with little regard to the communities it is going to affect. Every time Westminster changes its mind, local authorities are left scrambling to keep up.

“What’s worse, this latest announcement shows a complete disregard for local democracy. Ministers claim to care about communities, yet time and again they ignore residents and bend over backwards for developers. People in Stockport have put their trust in their elected councillors to scrutinise planning applications and make decisions in the best interests of their area. Now, if councillors reject a proposal on its merits, the Housing Minister wants to override that decision and force it through.

“Furthermore, currently, organisations such as Historic England and the Environment Agency review some planning applications to ensure that they follow various heritage and environmental protections. New measures will see these bodies bypassed, causing concerns that it could lead to lower quality developments that will do lasting damage to public infrastructure, nature and more.

“This isn’t about small-scale projects—it’s about developments of 150 homes or more, the kind that will permanently change the character of our neighbourhoods. Local voices are being silenced so that a Minister who’s never set foot in Stockport can chase housing targets and desperately avoid yet another broken manifesto promise.

“The Liberal Democrats believe planning decisions should be made locally, with proper consultation and accountability—not dictated by Westminster. Communities deserve a say in shaping their future, not a one-size-fits-all approach imposed from above.”