THE NEW PARTY-Call for ‘Free-Zones’ to Create New Homes and Jobs

The New Party is calling for local councils to be able to create ‘Free-Zones’ where planning restrictions will be suspended for new housing developments, dependent on the creation of new and sustainable jobs. The New Party has also today (Monday) submitted a petition to this effect to the Scottish Parliament.

New Party spokesman Dr Nigel Knight comments:

"Excessive planning restrictions and bureaucratic procedures have held up badly needed developments. Our proposals would encourage go-ahead councils to improve matters in a way that would increase house-building and create jobs."

The shortage of land with planning consent has resulted in an annual shortfall of 70,000-120,000 new homes. This has pushed house prices to dangerous levels. Fewer new homes were built in 2004 than at any time since the war, and Britain’s ‘green belt’ is actually expanding not contracting.

The planning system is aggravating the housing shortage, it is diminishing the amenity of established communities and it is doing nothing for job creation.

The House Builders Federation (HBF) has also commented:

"The next Government must concentrate on increasing the supply of all types of homes, not just measures that subsidise demand, if we are to meet people’s needs and take into account the public’s views on planning and development. We believe current planning policy is misaligned with what home buyers actually want." Rob Ashmead, Chief Executive.

The New Party has proposed a range of measures to improve the social and financial circumstances of individuals as well as the national economy. Previous press releases are attached at the end of this notice.
ENDS:
The New Party
Grown up Politics for Grown up People

Notes for editors:
1. Green belt land is increasing by 30,000 acres per year according to the House Builders Federation.
2. A great deal of farming land has been taken out of production
3. New homes are typically four to eight times more energy efficient than old Victorian houses.
4. A petition in support of this proposal will be submitted to the Scottish Parliament. This will be handed over on 25 April at 1pm in the Scottish Parliament's Lawn Gallery by New Party Scottish spokesman David McFarlane. Press packs will be available and there will be an opportunity for photographs and/or interviews Our proposal would encourage more integrated housing developments with local work opportunities
5. Additional information on this proposal is available at: http://www.newparty.co.uk/campaign2005/planning.html
6. The New Party has been formed to give the people of the UK a progressive alternative to the existing parties.
7. The Labour & Conservative parties have now held exclusive power for over 80 years
8. The New Party is using the 2005 General Election process as a platform to present its policies and will announce three major policies each week over the election period
9. The New Party has the endorsement of Sir John Harvey-Jones (see http://www.newparty.co.uk/viewpolicydocument.asp?iportdocid=380)
10. You can sign up to receive New Party *Email Alerts*

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