Sir – I welcome the coalition Government’s proposed return of planning to local planning authorities, recently confirmed in a letter to councils from Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.
The efforts of many local campaigners on the Oxford Green Belt have paid off, with Mr Pickles’ announcement of the abolition of regional strategies and housing targets.
Of course, we are all aware of the need for affordable housing to meet Oxfordshire’s own requirements, but the very many houses we were being expected to build by the previous government was causing concern and alarm in a number of areas in Oxfordshire.
I am pleased to see an end to these top-down housing targets, and that decisions will now rest with local people instead.
Anne Purse, Shadow cabinet member for growth and infrastructure, Oxfordshire County Council
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here