Labour’s recently announced plans to build 1.5 million homes have sparked serious concerns among residents of North West Leicestershire. The proposed policies could strip local residents of their rights to oppose housing developments, potentially opening the floodgates for uncontrolled and poorly regulated construction in our communities. It’s no secret that new housing target are likely to impact our community. The Leicester city Labour Mayor has previously refused to accept his share, and instead forced his quota on the shires, I cannot see that changing.
Local feedback that I received during the election campaign, indicates that residents are not entirely opposed to building new homes, as long as they are in the right places and have the required infrastructure put in place first. The real obstacles to housing development are not opposition from residents but rather high land costs, stringent environmental regulations, and a shortage of skilled labor and infrastructure. Without addressing these critical issues, Labour’s plans risk being nothing more than superficial solutions that fail to deliver meaningful change.
Angela Rayner’s comments about wanting more social housing highlight another challenge: funding. Increased social housing requires substantial financial subsidies, which are currently not in place. Furthermore, the roles of the district valuation and planning inspectorate would need a comprehensive overhaul to facilitate these developments effectively.
Despite councils often granting planning permissions, the delivery of these projects is severely delayed due to the myriad of regulations governing development. The reality is that Labour’s government might actually increase these regulations, further hindering progress and leading to more bureaucratic interference in the development process.
Environmental groups are also likely to oppose Labour's plans, citing concerns over the potential negative impacts on local ecosystems and communities. It remains to be seen how Labour will address these substantial hurdles being as they have been rather sparse with any detail on any policies they so far muted, and what actual changes will be made to ensure the success of their housing initiative.
As residents, and as your County Councillor we must stand united in voicing our concerns and advocating for practical, sustainable solutions that truly address the root causes of the housing crisis without undermining our rights or compromising our community’s heritage and identity.
