Lee Rowley (pictured) has been announced as the new Housing and Planning minister. He will join Simon Clarke MP (Secretary of State) and lead the Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities.
Brett Spiller, Director of Chapman Lily Planning noted that ‘Lee will be the 13th minister since 2010, so let’s hope for some longevity. It’s a pivotal role, particularly given the litany of failed planning reforms. There is an urgent need for stability and certainty in the Local Plan making process, so I hope that this is high on the agenda. Many Local Planning Authorities have let work on emerging Local Plans drift in the face of recent political uncertainty and whilst extremely frustrating, it’s hard to blame them. Dorset Council is a classic case; They have indicated that a new timetable will be published in October if they cannot agree bespoke arrangements with Government.’
For more information about this announcement, please contact us.