Commenting on Ministers confirming an overhaul of the housing algorithm in changes to the planning system, Tom Fyans, campaigns and policy director at CPRE, the countryside charity, said: “If the housing algorithm is being overhauled, this could be a major first step to create a locally-led planning system that provides the homes communities really need and protects and enhances our green spaces and countryside, so critical to our health and wellbeing.
“It is encouraging to see that Ministers are in listening mode. But the problems with the government’s planning proposals do not end with this algorithm. The upheaval of planning would slash community voice in shaping local areas, result in half as many affordable homes delivered in the countryside and lead to unnecessary loss of locally-valued countryside and green spaces.
“That’s why we’re urging the government to learn the lessons of lockdown and listen to local communities and their own backbench MPs. It’s time to create a planning system that balances action to tackle the climate and nature emergencies while delivering the homes local people need, at the pace we need them.”