Woodbridge Town Council’s Planning Committee has responded to the Government’s consultation on proposed changes to the planning framework (NPPF) National Planning Policy Framework.

The Committee welcomes the new Government’s prioritisation on housing. However, the Committee is concerned that the proposals to increase housebuilding in areas of above-average house prices are not complemented by measures to boost delivery of truly affordable housing for less affluent residents or workers in the town. It is the view of the Committee that this can be achieved by:

• a more realistic definition of affordability coupled with a residency test;

• an obligation, and the financial resources, for Local Councils to either re- start or expand a council home building programme themselves; • increasing taxation on second homes and holiday-let properties;

• taking steps to minimise ‘land-banking’ by imposing financial penalties on developers who delay building development on land identified for house building.

The Committee has concerns that the rush to house-building with greater density will adversely impact on the quality of life and health of residents in new housing developments. In particular, the Committee wants all new developments to include significantly more unbuilt land, in the form of landscaping within housing unit areas, open spaces, allotments and gardens. This will not only enhance the healthy living aspects of a development but will also allow for more food production. The Committee also considers that all new buildings should include solar panels to reduce energy costs.

The Committee has made clear in its response that the measures it suggests are necessary to stop people being priced out of living in attractive towns like Woodbridge.