Hi John

Did you know that big developers are using loopholes in our planning system to get developments on greenfield sites approved in the majority of their appeals?

Our latest report shows that a massive 60% of all houses subject to appeal are allowed whilst only 40% are turned down.

Far too often, deep-pocketed developers are overriding the wishes of local communities and councils. By exploiting a loophole, they’re able to force through large housing estates of expensive homes built on open countryside. 

The loophole? The ‘five-year housing land supply’ rule. This calculates whether there is a deliverable supply of houses to meet demand. However, we believe that the local plan should take primacy and cover a more holistic approach to housing, with a greater focus on regenerating brownfield land and providing genuinely affordable homes.

Will you donate today to our urgent campaign to remove this loophole in the National Planning Policy Framework? 

Our research has uncovered a worrying trend, with 144 separate major developments on greenfield land forced through on appeal in just two years between 2020 and 2022. Of those, 91 were clearly going against policies in local development plans.

What’s more, the larger the application size, the more likely the development was to be successful at appeal as councils cannot afford the legal fees. 

It is completely wrong that big businesses can use their wealth to try and bypass the concerns of rural communities for their local countryside. 

John, can you donate today to help us urge the government to abolish the five-year land supply rule?

Thank you for standing up for our countryside and local communities.  

Your sincerely,

Tom Fyans

Director of Campaigns & Policy