08 Nov 2024
St Albans MP Daisy Cooper has urged the Government to make sweeping changes in its proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
“First and foremost, I want to see local authorities given the powers and resources to force big developers to build infrastructure before or at the same rate as they build houses. Time and again, we’ve seen developers promise to build GP surgeries, schools or social homes – only to claim they’re too expensive at the end of the project.
“Second, the absurd separation of building homes and infrastructure planning must end.
“The proposal from Hertsmere District Council for Bowman’s Cross is a classic example. The council’s own assessment suggests it’s one of the least sustainable sites for housing because it has no access to a train station or established bus routes. Yet, it’s a popular place for the council to build because it’s away from all their existing towns and villages so none of their own voters will be affected.
“London Colney however – on our side of the district boundary – could end up with another 6,000 homes on the boundary but without any proper transport or other infrastructure built alongside it. It’s outrageous.
“Third, we need a planning and infrastructure system that looks at the cumulative impact of development. In places like Park Street and London Colney, the Strategic Rail Freight Interchange and Luton Airport expansion – it it’s given the go ahead – will together put huge additional pressure on our green space and roads.”
