The new consultation on letting rural landowners convert barns without planning consent has drawn special ire from England’s national parks leads.
image: for illustration – Open Government Licence v3.0
… legislation that would change permitted development rights, loosening the planning system…
Housing Today writes:
Michael Gove’s levelling up department has launched a consultation on legislation that would change permitted development rights, loosening the planning system within national parks and other conservation areas.
The department has stated that it wishes to give farmers “greater freedom” with their buildings in order to “support the delivery of new homes in rural communities”.
“Allowing our town and village centres within protected landscapes (such as national parks) to benefit from the right could help ensure the longer-term viability and vitality of these community hubs, supporting the residents and businesses that rely on them,” it added.
But the chief executive of the Yorkshire Dales national park described the move as “bonkers” and warned that landscapes could be ruined if the new rules come to pass….
Kevin Bishop, the CEO of Dartmoor national park authority, said: “National parks were designated for their outstanding natural beauty.
“The proposed extension of permitted developments could destroy these landscapes and cause untold harm to the local economy and local communities….
The proposed legislation has also been opposed by Liberal Democrat environment spokesperson Tim Farron, who represents a Lake District constituency, and by countryside charity CPRE.
For more background see the IHBC NewsBlog
