‘Plan to charm’ Tory MPs over house building fears
ROBERT Jenrick is trying to win over Tory MPs furious about planning reforms they fear will lead to a freefor-all for developers.
The Communities Secretary is holding weekly Zoom chats with “angry” backbenchers to try to see off a huge rebellion brewing over the proposals.
A source said Mr Jenrick is focusing on the desperate need for new homes to tackle the housing crisis.
During one meeting he raised the 95 per cent mortgage guarantee for first-time buyers and schemes to help key workers buy a home. Dozens of MPs were on a call yesterday and the
Cabinet minister is expected to continue the talks all the way through summer recess to keep his planning reforms on track.
An MP who was present said: “People are pretty angry about it. He knows there’s trouble and he’s trying to keep as many people on board as possible.
“It’s clearly a hot potato – that’s why he’s holding weekly meetings.”
Nearly 100 Tories, including former premier Theresa May, are expected to rebel if Mr Jenrick pushes ahead with changes. The Government wants to tackle the housing crisis by easing red tape to pave the way for 300,000 homes to be built each year. But it will mean there is presumed consent for development in some areas and opponents fear builders will focus on the South-east.
The Ministry of Housing,
Communities and Local Government said: “The plan-making process will be simpler, faster and more accessible – with plans produced in 30 months, not seven years.
“Our revised National Planning Policy Framework will also ensure communities are more meaningfully engaged and councils are given greater confidence in turning down schemes which do not meet locally set standards.”
Meanwhile, Mr Jenrick’s department has announced £30million for public toilets which would include hoists, benches and space for carers.