Archived press release

Prescott must follow "sustainable housing" talk with action

1 February 2005

Response by Friends of the Earth to the Deputy Prime Minister's launch of the Government's national planning policy for delivering sustainable development (Planning Policy Statement 1).

Friends of the Earth's Planning Advisor Hugh Ellis said:

"Friends of the Earth welcomes John Prescott's talk of commitment to sustainable development but remains deeply concerned that the direction of the Communities Plan and Barker will completely undermine this policy."

"John Prescott is right to say the planning system needs to work within environmental limits and involve local people. The Government must now ensure that new housing is built to the highest sustainable standards by setting minimum legal standards rather than pursuing voluntary agreements with industry."

Background:

The Barker Report - Review of Housing Supply `Delivering stability: securing our future housing needs' Final Report, Kate Barker, March 2004

The Barker report recommends bypassing the planning system, leaving urban policy to be driven by market forces rather than social need. Areas such as the south east will come under even more pressure for new homes and associated developments such as roads. But very little of this will be for people with the greatest housing need. The effect of Barker on communities in the north will be equally serious, as investment which should be delivered there will flow to the south.

Plans to desalinate sea water in the south east show the level of pressure on water supplies that already exists. It is obvious that there are limits to growth - rising road traffic and congestion in the south east is already costing businesses dearly, undermining people's quality of life and adding to already poor local air quality and climate change.

The Barker report will force local authorities to release more land for housing when land prices rise, encouraging growth where there is currently growth.

Friends of the Earth is calling on the Government to:

• dismiss all the Barker report's recommendations;
• expand affordable housing through direct investment; and,
• introduce more accountability for planning at a regional level. Currently there is no right to be heard and the public must rely on an invitation only system for involvement in planning decisions which affect their communities.

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust