A Labour government would prioritize builders over blockers, according to Rachel Reeves’ announcement at the Labour conference. This statement was met with approval. Reeves, the shadow chancellor, specifically targeted those who oppose development. She not only refused to compromise with this opposition, but also offered a surprising incentive. She proposed that nimby (not in my backyard) individuals who agree to support construction projects, such as wind turbines or pylons in their local area, would receive financial rewards in the form of cheaper energy. This offer can be considered one of the most unusual planning bribes in history.
However, this is not the extent of Labour’s plans. They also intend to allow developers to build in green belts and revive the Tory policy of imposing housing estates on local communities through central targets. This approach harks back to the anti-localist era of David Cameron, where concerns about rural areas were deemed insignificant. During that time, politicians, including Reeves and Keir Starmer, often appeared wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, symbolizing their support for construction projects.
Octavia Hill, who emphasized the importance of nature, and Clement Attlee’s government, which established green belts around polluted cities, did not intend for these areas to benefit only locals. The value of nature and its preservation were considered national priorities, benefiting everyone. However, Reeves and Starmer now propose to “purchase” this benefit from locals and allocate it to energy companies and property developers, who are among the wealthiest capitalists in Britain. The potential result of this approach could resemble the sight of imposing wind turbines dominating the Northamptonshire landscape.
Two of the most significant achievements in British postwar planning were the establishment of green belts and urban conservation areas. Green belts have successfully protected vast areas of nature from urban sprawl, preventing the overdevelopment of land in the densely populated southeast of England and attracting migration from the north. Similarly, conservation areas have safeguarded the historic character of British towns, preventing widespread demolition and rebuilding.
However, both of these achievements are now under threat. Politicians frequently criticize green belts and dismiss those who defend them, even though there is still plenty of undeveloped brownfield land available. Additionally, conservation areas are deteriorating. In London alone, the City has marred supposedly protected areas like Fleet Street, while Westminster council has done the same to Paddington, with no intervention from the central government.
While there may be some merit in Reeves’ proposals, particularly in her call for more qualified planners and support for renewable energy, there are concerns about her approach. Instead of spending money on burying cables or expanding offshore wind farms, she suggests incentivizing locals to compromise the beauty of their surroundings. This implies that the aesthetic value of the landscape has no significance to others. However, the beauty of the environment is invaluable and should be protected by the entire nation.
Furthermore, the need for more housing is undeniable. However, with house prices currently falling at the fastest rate in 14 years and developers hoarding land, policies should focus on increasing urban density, promoting the rental sector, and facilitating downsizing and conversion of commercial properties into residential spaces. Just because developers can make higher profits from luxury homes in green areas does not mean they should be given preferential treatment by Reeves.
The main culprit in this situation is Cameron and his dismantling of strategic local planning, which included the erosion of zoning’s role in protecting the countryside. While there are certainly areas where energy infrastructure and new housing would not detract from the rural landscape, there are others that require guaranteed protection.
We need clarity on what should be safeguarded and valued, without having to engage in constant planning battles. The English, Welsh, and Scottish countryside should be subject to zoning regulations. This is not a difficult task and would likely
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