Changes to local planning decisions opposed by Wiltshire Council

By Local Democracy Reporter Peter Davison

An alleged ‘war on democracy’ being waged by housing secretary Angela Rayner faces opposition from Wiltshire Council.

The Ministry of Housing’s National Scheme of Delegation aims to strip elected councillors of the right to determine ‘small’ planning applications – which could be anything up to 500 houses – handing decision-making powers to council planning officers.

At a meeting of Full Council, Cllr Bridget Wayman (Nadder Valley, Conservative) presented a motion calling on the leader of the council to write to the housing secretary opposing the legislation.

And in a rare show of solidarity, the motion received the unanimous backing of the chamber.

Introducing the motion, Cllr Wayman described her “utter distress and fury at this new guidance, effectively disbanding planning committees and barring councillors from having very much say in what may or may not be called into a planning committee.”

She said, “Bit by bit, local democracy is being chipped away.

“Councillors and planning committees are not obstructions holding up development. Our job is to challenge officers to make Wiltshire a better place to live.

“The erosion of democracy has to be halted.”

Cllr Nick Holder (Bowerhill, Conservative), whose ward the government recently granted a developer permission to build 300 houses on Snarlton Farm, despite the opposition of Wiltshire Council and residents, said, “That is not the right thing to do for local planning decisions.”

Cllr Jon Hubbard (Melksham South, Independent) called the legislation “an abhorrent, an absolute abhorrence, undermining local democracy.”

And Cllr Ed Rimmer, Reform UK group leader, said, “It’s a sad day for democracy when our voters lose their democratic right to have their voices heard via us.

“It’s a sad day for democracy. It’s a sad day for accountability. It’s a sad day for anyone in this country who wants to have a say about their local area.”

Cllr Adrian Foster, cabinet member for development management and housing, said he “100 per cent agreed” with the motion.

“Unfortunately, the government – just like previous governments – believes it is the planning process that is holding up housebuilding,” he said.

And council leader Ian Thorn said: “She (Angela Rayner) famously said the big problem with planning is councillors.

“One of the most important roles that we can play as councillors is being part of the ‘awkward squad’ – reflecting local views and being bloody awkward, difficult, and challenging to get the best deals we can for our residents.

“Cutting democracy out of a democratic process is hugely dangerous and damaging.”

The regulations and guidance are scheduled to apply from 31st October.