Rugby MP Mark Pawsey has declared his support for the Government’s Localism Bill which was announced on Monday. The Bill is symbolic of the Government’s efforts to empower local people within their local communities. It is also part of the Government’s Big Society idea – where local community residents and groups are encouraged to once again become active for the benefit of their local communities and towns.
Mark is particularly pleased at the provisions contained within the Bill to tackle the problem of illegal traveller sites. Mark has been a vocal supporter of local residents in villages such as Barnacle who have been adversely affected by the establishment of illegal camps due to the failures of weak planning legislation.
The Bill will ensure that people are no longer able to delay enforcement proceedings with retrospective planning applications and appeals. People who illegally develop – by moving onto a site or putting up a structure quickly over a weekend – often submit a retrospective application while appealing against an enforcement notice. This often ‘buys’ the applicant more time by paralysing the system with multiple issues. Applicants will now have to choose to either apply for retrospective permission or appeal the notice but not both.
Further enforcement measures have been announced, in addition to the provisions of the Bill, which will reduce enforcement guidance allowing councils more freedom to decide local priorities and encouraging councils to develop unique local enforcement plans which can be used to tackle specific issues affecting people in their areas.
Mark said:
“The Localism Bill marks the movement away from Big Government to a Big Society. For far too long universal decisions have been made in Whitehall and enforced upon local town halls. What this government is doing is handing power back to local people who know better than anyone in London, or elsewhere, what the needs of their local communities are.”
Mark added:
“In regards to illegal traveller camps it is simply not fair that some groups have been able to set-up illegal sites due to deficiencies in the laws in regards to retrospective planning permission. The law must be observed and for the majority of people this is accepted so it is not right that a few offenders should be able to get away with flaunting the law to the detriment of those that obey it. This Bill will establish a fair system for all and councils will be given real powers to crack down on anyone attempting to establish illegal camps.”
Mark concluded:
“For me the Big Society is about empowering local people and encouraging them to become active in their communities. From my time as a local councillor here in Rugby I know that local people know what is best for their local communities and this Bill will encourage people to really step forward and make a positive difference where they live. Here in Rugby local, dedicated, passionate and capable people will help mould the town’s future direction, and prosperity, and that will benefit us all in the long run.”