Local MP Alan Mak has criticised the Labour Government's new mandatory planning rules that would increase Havant Borough Council's housebuilding target by 72%.
The imposition of mandatory housing targets on local authorities will see Havant required to build 874 homes a year instead of 508, according to latest independent figures.
The Labour Government has announced that councils in England will be given new individual targets to help contribute to the overall number of 370,000 new homes to be built each year.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner revealed a radical overhaul of planning rules, replacing the previously advisory targets under the Conservatives with a new centrally-imposed "top down" mandatory target that reduces local councils' freedom and discretion.
Mr Mak warned that homes must be built in the right places and not cause urban sprawl by failing to preserve important green spaces and gaps.
He also maintained that the number, location and appearance of new homes should be planned in consultation with people in the area through the Local Plan process, rather than being imposed centrally and that adequate infrastructure was crucial when there was already pressure on services for existing residents.
He said: "I successfully campaigned to abolish centrally-imposed "top down" mandatory housebuilding targets. Labour have now reversed this position without consulting anyone. It is better for Havant Borough Council to engage with local people whose lives will be affected by housebuilding through the Local Housing Plan process, but instead everyone will be constrained by mandatory targets imposed by Labour in Westminster."
MPs do not play any role in drafting, influencing – or approving – the Local Plan which is drafted by Havant Borough Council. However, Mr Mak will be keeping up to date on progress as a new Plan is developed in response to new centrally-imposed "top down" mandatory targets for housebuilding .
Photo: Alan Mak MP with a previous draft of the Local Housing Plan under the previously advisory targets policy of the Conservatives. Labour has introduced new centrally-imposed "top down" mandatory target that reduces local councils' freedom and discretion.
