"The scale of inappropriate windfall development in areas like South Manchester is irreparably damaging the character and cohesion of neighbourhoods. Huge rises in the number of blocks of flats are also adding to traffic congestion in South Manchester."
"Local councillors and residents are often powerless to prevent garden grabbing development, following changes to Planning rules brought in by John Prescott in the late 1990s."
"It is essential that back gardens are reclassified as greenbelt as opposed to brownfield or "developed" land. Communities, through their locally elected councillors, should have the final say in deciding on appropriate development in their area."
That this House notes the growing public concern over the damaging effect of inappropriate infill development on the character of local neighbourhoods; believes the Deputy Prime Minister's revision of Planning Policy Guidance 3 has resulted in poorly designed blocks of flats being crammed into suburban communities and the destruction of green spaces such as back gardens; and calls on the Government to revise planning guidance to give councils a greater say on local development, to deliver higher quality and design in new build, and to allow communities to protect the character of residential neighbourhoods.
