MP pushes Government to change course on infrastructure-led development

The desperate need for new development to come with proper infrastructure was put centre stage by local Liberal Democrat MP Lisa Smart this week, challenging Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook to put in place infrastructure targets alongside housing targets. 

She raised local people’s concerns about the fact that they are seeing large scale developments forced into the Local Plan by the Labour Government, putting green spaces at risk, and failing to include transport and health provision.

Hazel Grove constituency MP Lisa Smart said: “Anyone serious knows we need more homes building in this country, but I absolutely understand the worries of my constituents because they're thinking about the impact of this doubling of the housing target is going to have on roads, on GP appointments and on schools, and particularly on our green spaces. 

“One of the problems with the Government's approach is the sequencing. Constituents see the downside of large-scale developments, without, for example, the needed public transport. I want to see minimum infrastructure targets before and alongside minimum housing targets.”

While the Minister suggested that the new draft framework would address some of these issues, the Local Plan for Stockport, which is being driven forward by the Labour Government, is out for consultation before that framework is in place. 

Lisa Smart continued: “Stockport is being forced to go ahead with a local plan that is not what people want. The Government should stop putting pressure on the authority to speed up the process, and concentrate on getting the process right.”