A government overhaul of the planning system has been accused of “encouraging slum dwellings and a return to Victorian standards”.
The proposals, unveiled last month, would divide land into growth, renewal or protection areas and pre-approved design codes would give an automatic green light to certain applications.
The Central Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee, which covers the City of Lincoln and West Lindsey and North Kesteven district councils, examined the plans on Monday and councillors expressed their displeasure.
Councillor Chris Burke said: “I have rarely seen a document from any government in my lifetime that so ignores planning considerations.
“The implications are so huge that I think our response collectively and as individual authorities should be very, very forceful.
“Did they consult Mr Rachman? Because it certainly feels like it is encouraging slum dwellings and a return to Victorian standards. It’s an appalling document.”
Council officers disputed a suggestion planning authorities were the reason for a housing shortage, instead blaming developers who received permission for developments but did not build them.
The officers pointed to data that showed that in the year to June 2019, 377,000 residential planning consents were granted in England, but only 214,000 homes were built last year – 163,000 short.
Councillor Peter Lundgren said he was “no lover” of the current planning system, however added: “To blame the lack of housing delivery on the planning system… just shows a total lack of grasp on reality of the situation by ministers.”
He said changes to the requirements for affordable housing would mean “none of our rural communities would qualify”.
“It just flies in the face of the aspirations of our local communities.”
Chairman Councillor Richard Wright said he had heard similar complaints from other authorities.
Councillors voted in favour of submitting the officer’s critical response to the consultation on the Government White Paper.
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.
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