PRESS RELEASE: Swindon Labour and Co-Operative Group Oppose Planning Motion
The Swindon Labour & Co-operative Group have opposed a motion at Full Council calling on the Government to reconsider proposed reforms to the planning system.
The motion argues that the Government’s proposed National Scheme of Delegation would reduce the number of planning applications determined by councillors, remove existing local call-in arrangements and limit the ability of ward councillors and parish councils to refer applications to Planning Committee. It asks the Council to write to the Government urging ministers to rethink the proposals.
Labour Group Leader, Councillor Jim Robbins, said:
“We were disappointed to see that the first letter this Council proposed to send to the newly appointed Secretary of State for Local Government is one opposing the Government’s programme of planning reform, rather than welcoming what is an ambitious agenda for growth and devolution. We want Swindon to be a willing and proactive partner in delivering this agenda, an agenda that the Labour Government has a clear mandate for having been elected on the promise to spread growth across the country.
“There is increasing frustration that planning systems nationwide have become too slow and complex and as a result we have national housing shortages and a dearth of infrastructure projects. The government has started to take us back in the right direction but are now facing opposition from councils run by the Conservative Party, who, in an attempt to avoid facing their own party’s failings since 2010, are looking to block progress.
“In Swindon alone, the Labour-run Council between 2023 and 2026 oversaw a reduction in the backlog of planning applications from approximately 800 to almost 0. The idea that, based on that record, the Conservatives are best-placed to improve Planning in Swindon is worthy of derision.
“I have written to the Secretary of State for Local Government to welcome her back to the role and to set out why the Labour and Co-Operative Group supports the planning changes to streamline the process. We believe that we have a solid and constructive relationship with planning officers based on our successful time in office and can work proactively with them to make sure that the views of residents are still heard.
“For Swindon, these reforms represent an opportunity to enable the Council’s ambitious plans for regeneration of the town and increasing job opportunities. We should be working constructively with the UK Government to ensure these reforms deliver for Swindon. Our priority is securing investment, creating jobs and building the homes that we need.”