Above: Anne Marie Morris with Nick Boles MP, Under-Secretary of State for Planning, with 'self-builder' families in Broadhempston
Planning Minister in South Devon
Following the recent visit of the Secretary of State for Transport to Dawlish and Kingskerswell, I was delighted last week to welcome another Government Minister, Nick Boles, to Newton Abbot and Broadhempston.
Nick Boles is the Parliamentary-under-Secretary of State for Planning at the Department for Communities and Local Government. He began his visit to South Devon in Newton Abbot, where he attended a meeting alongside myself, Cllr Jeremy Christophers, Cllr Phillip Vogel of Teignbridge District Council and the Land Society to discuss the importance of encouraging self builds. In what remains a difficult housing market, particularly for those trying to take their first steps on the property ladder, self builds are increasing in popularity and Teignbridge is something of a trail blazer in this respect. The Minister was keen to see some of the sites for himself and one of the places we visited was Easterways Field in Broadhempston. The Minister was able to meet families considering the option of participating in the Land Society self-build Community Land Trust scheme.
I think the Minister and the Government are correct to offer their support to those like the Land Society and Teignbridge District Council that are working in supporting self builds. However, self builds have to be part of a comprehensive local and national housing strategy. The Minister therefore completed his visit by attending a meeting in Newton Abbot to discuss government planning policy. The Teignbridge Local Plan is currently being formulated and the Minister was right to say its contents are a matter for local authorities.
My own position on planning policy has remained consistent since I was elected as your Member of Parliament. It is important for the future prosperity of our region that key workers and those who grew up locally can afford to purchase houses in our communities. The Government has launched schemes to offer financial help, but we do also need to see more affordable homes built.
However, we must ensure that development takes place that recognises the rural character of our region and we must never compromise our beautiful natural environment and green spaces. I was one of the MPs who successfully lobbied the Prime Minister so that safeguards in the National Planning Policy Framework were beefed up and clarified.
The Minister pledged to visit Newton Abbot again next year for a progress report and I look forward to welcoming him again in 2014!
In The Patch
Recess is always an opportunity to get out and about in our communities and attend meetings and events. One such occasion I always enjoy enormously at this time of year is the Kingsteignton Ram Roasting Fair. The fair is one of those events steeped in many legends and much tradition. It is believed to have its origins in the Middle Ages, although some people believe it may well be even older than that. A lot of the old events that were held at the fair, such as the procession of the ram through the village and the turning off of the Fairwater Leat, no longer take place and the event is no longer held over three days. Instead, it is held annually on Spring Holiday Monday at Oakford Lawn, its home since 1904. It is a genuine community event where much fun is had by all who attend and I was pleased to arrive in good time this year (before all the roasted lamb had gone). I look forward to attending again next year!
Surgeries and Getting Together.
My next surgery will take place on Friday 14th June at 9.30am in Dawlish (Manor House). Please phone 01626 368277 to make an appointment or to discuss an issue that cannot wait until my next surgery. My next Supermarket Surgery is also on Friday 14th June at 11am in Morrisons (Teignmouth). No appointment is necessary.