The Government's decision to radically redefine planning rules in England and reintroduce mandatory housing targets left Reigate & Banstead Borough Council facing a compulsory government instruction to build 1,264 new homes per year.
As anyone who lives in Reigate, Redhill, Banstead and our villages will know, this is an impossible demand - and could not be done without forever destroying the unique rural character of our communities and sacrificing swathes of our precious Green Belt.
On December 12th Rebecca challenged Matthew Pennycock MP, Minister of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government over why the Government appears so keen to impose unmanageable housing targets in Surrey while at the same time cutting the targets for new housing in brownfield rich London.
You can watch Rebecca's question and the Minister's answer below
While 1,264 new homes per year would be unrealistic, we have subsequently learnt that the number will in fact be even higher! The new National Planning Policy Framework has amended the standard formula used for calculating housing need so that Reigate & Banstead will be required to build 1, 306! The message from this Government is clear - they don't care for the Green Belt nor the wishes of local people to enjoy the unique character of their towns and communities.
