The Editor

Stroud News and Journal

24 January 2010

Madam

Your front page article (SNJ 20 January) on the approval to build 105 homes on Fox’s Field following an appeal strikes at the very heart of the argument over localism versus state control.

As your reporter revealed, the government inspector said he was not satisfied that Stroud District Council could meet its statutory five year target for new homes. Why should central government be so prescriptive about planning decisions in our district in the first place?

The real problem arises from the nonsense that comes from the regional planning structure which, in turn, is directed by the Labour Government. It imposes ridiculous targets for house building in our district and produces ‘policies’ to encourage certain types of development (Fox’s Close being an example).

The supreme paradox of the current system is that it has completely failed to build enough affordable housing.

It is time for a change in the planning system. The next Conservative Government will ensure that local people have the capacity to decide on housing developments. Local communities should be able to shape their environments. Regional government will be abolished.

Yours faithfully

Neil Carmichael

Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Stroud

Tags: House building, Localism, planning

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