Member

Success will be measured not just by how many homes are built but also by where they are built. On this side of the House, we are deeply concerned that the current model of strategic planning is being used to displace urban housing need into rural areas. This is just misguided and unfair, especially given the steep housing targets now being placed on rural authorities. We must protect the unique character of our historic villages and ensure the homes we need are built where the real demand lies. I urge the Minister to think again and reconsider the urban/rural balance of housing targets. We support mandatory targets, but they must be the right targets in the right places.