Plea over new homes

NEW homes should not be built if they are more than 10 minutes’ walk from shops, primary schools and GP surgeries, campaigners have urged.

Charity Sustrans said the Government’s planning framework should recommend councils refuse planning permission for new housing developments that are not in line with efforts to cut carbon emissions, level up communities and improve health.

It is calling for the creation of “20-minute neighbourhoods” which focus on walking, wheeling - for example on mobility scooters - or cycling instead of driving, with key amenities and public transport links within 800 metres or a 20-minute walking round trip of where new homes are built.

They should include facilities such as food shops and pharmacies, primary schools, nurseries, GP surgeries, local jobs and open spaces.