Bassetlaw: Council want local views after abandoning housing plan due to change in Government guidelines

Bassetlaw Council has had a re-think on how housing and business developments are planned and are urging residents to have their say.
Bassetlaw District Council, Potter Street, Worksop  (w120328-5b)Bassetlaw District Council, Potter Street, Worksop  (w120328-5b)
Bassetlaw District Council, Potter Street, Worksop (w120328-5b)

The Council made the decision to withdraw its ‘Local Development Framework’ plan after concerns raised at other authorities such as Doncaster and Bolsover about the implications of changes to Government guidance.

In addition, there were also concerns after a planning inspector concluded Bassetlaw did not have enough sufficient housing permissions to meet its requirement in the next five years.

The Council will now draw up a new plan for the district, engaging with the Bassetlaw community to identify local issues.

Coun Jo White, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “We want to ensure that this new plan takes into account the local community needs and aspirations.”

“Consultations will commence in early 2015, and will consider what local issues are of concern to local communities.”

“Whilst this process would include consideration of issues such as the supply of affordable housing, availability of local services and so on, it should also aim to encourage an open debate about future issues, opportunities and options for the area.”

Coun Jo White also spoke of her disappointment at the Council having to withdraw the plan due to changes made by the Government.

She added:“In 2012, the Government abolished its original guidelines and replaced them with the National Planning Policy Framework, but failed to advise that there were no transitional arrangements between the two. This is not a local phenomena and is a problem that’s reoccurring right across the country. “

“ Looking at statistics from planning inspectors, only 25 Councils have had a Local Development Framework granted since 2012 - which is appalling in my view.”

“But I am proud that we are a proactive Council that is able to turn a negative into a positive.”

“This should see us taking forward a Local Development Framework for future consideration that is intrinsically tied into local needs, values, identities and aspirations from right across Bassetlaw.”