The UK's Labour party is facing accusations of weakening planning standards, potentially making it easier for travelers to establish new camps. Critics argue that recent updates to national planning laws have removed proposed measures aimed at limiting the impact of encampments.
In the revised National Planning Policy Framework, concerns previously raised about 'long-distance travelling' and the 'potential environmental damage caused by unauthorised encampment' were omitted from the final document. Additionally, references to minimizing adverse environmental and health impacts on travelers from factors like noise and air quality were also removed from the draft's final version. A suggestion to ensure traveler sites are not isolated from the wider community was also deleted.
The updated framework now includes language suggesting that "locations not well-related to existing settlements may be appropriate" for traveler sites. An accompanying report explained that the removal of health and wellbeing references was to ensure consistency with other development types under the broader framework, particularly concerning flood risk and environmental quality. The report also noted a change to address concerns that traveler sites might face difficulties gaining permission, specifying that such sites may be suitable in locations not closely connected to existing settlements.
Shadow Housing Secretary Sir James Cleverly criticized the changes, stating that the updated rules make it easier for travelers to "abuse the system" and set up unauthorized camps that are later approved. He suggested that local communities will be angered by attempts to hinder authorities from combating these practices.
These changes come as the Conservative party has vowed to crack down on illegal traveler sites, proposing to ban indefinite returns and end retrospective planning approvals. Town halls have also expressed concerns that the new planning rules, which include a presumptive approval for developments near railway stations in England, will reduce local input and empower developers, potentially leading to unsustainable development lacking necessary infrastructure.
Housing Secretary Angela Rayner, however, has maintained that the government needs homes and infrastructure but insists on a planned approach involving local authorities and residents. She stated that the government remains on track to build 1.5 million homes in five years, with nearly 400,000 completed since their administration began. Earlier, Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook had acknowledged the ambitious nature of the housing target, citing the war in Iran as a factor contributing to increased construction material costs.
A Labour spokesperson defended the party's planning changes, asserting that they have strengthened national policy on intentional unauthorized development and put in place safeguards for developments in the green belt, stating the Conservatives left the planning system in disarray.