Anthony Mangnall has pledged his support for the Planning (Enforcement) Bill to help stop rogue development and protect local communities.
The Bill, put forward by Runnymede and Weybridge MP Dr Ben Spencer, will today receive its Second Reading in the House of Commons. If successful, it could pave the way for a change in the law to prevent rogue development and stop those that break the rules from profiting from illegal development.
The Bill seeks to create a national database for planning enforcement action, giving local authorities the tools for the first time to track those who repeatedly breach planning rules. It would also require planning applicants to declare if they had been found in breach of planning rules in the past.
For the worst offenders, the Bill seeks to grant a new power for local authorities to apply to the High Court for an injunction to halt any further development on a site and ban the use of the land or buildings identified as being in breach of planning rules, until the enforcement case has been fully resolved.
Currently, landowners and developers can continue to use and profit from activities that are in breach of planning rules, and continue to make further applications for development. Each separate development becomes subject to its own compatibility with planning rules, and if they are in breach, each is also subject to a separate right of appeal. This can result in incredibly long and complicated cases which see illegal developers profiting while communities suffer from loss of green belt, excessive impact on local infrastructure and more.
Dr Ben Spencer MP said:
“The impact of rogue development on our communities can be devastating. 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 provisions in my Bill will end the cycle of endless applications and planning breaches on problem sites, and help protect our residents and our natural environment.”
Anthony Mangnall MP said:
This Planning (Enforcement) Bill will help to protect residents and local communities from rogue developers. I am acutely aware of instances in South Devon where enforcement orders have been disregarded and developers have unashamedly continued to build. By removing the financial incentive to break planning rules and by giving local authorities greater tools to fight those who do, we can put a stop to persistent offenders.
South Devon’s countryside is precious so we must do all we can to protect our natural environment and ensure any development meets the needs and wishes of the local community. I am proud to be a co-signatory to this bill and to be supporting it today in Parliament.”
The Bill has already received support from 50 MPs as well as councillors and members of the public. Further detail about the Bill is available at www.stoproguedevelopment.com.
