As I am sure all of you know, there is a real need for new housing in the constituency, and particularly affordable housing. I do not think the problem is lost on local planners and politicians, but nor do they seem to have found the right solutions yet.

Often, areas are designated for development despite huge opposition from local residents, and sometimes without them even being properly consulted as happened at Mile End, in Highweek. The main reason for this, I think, is that decisions about planning are too far removed from the local community, and don take enough account of the people they will affect most.

We need to change the planning regime so that decisions are made locally, based on local knowledge and need; not regionally at the dictate of bureaucrats. My aim is to do all I can to make sure that this happens.

To see what I wrote about affordable housing on my blog, click on the following link: http://annemarienewtonabbot.blogspot.com/2007/06/housing-affordable-or-o...

Teignbridge District Council (Environment and Planning)

http://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=910 Affordable Housing