Bromsgrove annual housing targets to remain after Government white paper announcement

THE NUMBER of homes which need to be built in Bromsgrove each year looks set to stay the same after the Government’s latest announcement about its controversial white paper.

Using the new method in the ‘Planning for the Future – planning policy changes in England in 2020 and future reforms’ it was suggested the district’s annual property targets should rise from 379 to 694.

A consultation on the document, published in August, revealed a lot of opposition to the increase and fears expressed about Bromsgrove’s green belt.

Now in a u-turn on its original proposal, the Government states Bromsgrove District should be building a ‘minimum of 370 properties per year’.

Under new proposals an even greater emphasis has been placed on the 20 largest English cities to deliver more housing growth within their own areas on brownfield land.

Planning bosses welcomed the news and for the clarity over the targets.

Coun Adam Kent, deputy leader and Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regeneration, said: “The council is committed to providing the affordable houses and jobs that are needed across the District.

“This timely announcement from Government begins to give us the clarity we sought in our response to these consultations.

“We will continue preparing a new local plan, releasing much needed land for housing and employment, providing housing and jobs that current and future generations of Bromsgrove residents will need.”

Click here for the Government’s White Paper.