DR BEN SPENCER, MP
It may not come as a surprise to know that one of the most contentious issues constituents write to me on is concern over local planning issues. While the responsibility for individual local applications lies with Runnymede Borough Council as the Local Planning Authority, the framework they must follow is set by the Government.
Planning policy is complex, and let’s face it, not the most interesting of topics to many people. But when people fail to follow the rules the impact on neighbours and communities can be devastating. It is for this reason, when presented with an opportunity to introduce my own Private Member’s Bill to Parliament I have chosen to address issues around planning enforcement.
While most people adhere to the rules, the minority who intentionally breach planning rules can cause misery to neighbours and our communities, and can cause irreparable damage to our Green Belt. Since 2019 I have been made aware of numerous cases where repeated planning breaches have caused significant disruption, anxiety and anger amongst neighbouring residents. The current planning enforcement system is beset by long delays, with complicated and repeat offences often taking many years to resolve. Local authority planning teams are also forced to spend too much time dealing with a handful of cases rather than engaging with residents across the local area.
My Planning (Enforcement) Bill seeks to address this by strengthening powers to deal with repeated planning breaches. The Bill would increase the penalties for those who repeatedly and intentionally flout the law and create a national register to enable local authorities to identify repeat offenders. This aims to end the cycle of endless applications and planning breaches on problem sites, and help protect our residents and our natural environment.
The Bill will receive its Second Reading on 19 November. I believe this is a great opportunity to clamp down on repeat offenders and protect our Green Belt and our communities.
