More than forty government MPs have signed a letter opposing the revised housing targets, in the most significant backbench revolt of the parliament so far. The rebellion threatens to derail the planning reform bill before its second reading, scheduled for next month.
The letter, coordinated by a group of MPs representing rural and semi-rural constituencies in the south of England, argues that the new targets — which would require local authorities to approve significantly more new homes each year — are "incompatible with the character of our communities and the capacity of our infrastructure." The signatories include several former ministers and a number of MPs who were considered loyalists until now.
What the Bill Proposes
The planning reform bill, which was announced in the King's Speech, would require local authorities to meet annual housing targets set by central government, with financial penalties for those that consistently fall short. It would also streamline the planning process for developments on so-called "grey belt" land — areas of low-quality greenbelt that the government argues are suitable for development.
The government argues that the bill is essential to address the housing crisis, which has seen home ownership rates among under-40s fall to their lowest level since the 1950s. The Prime Minister has described housing as "the defining domestic challenge of our generation."
The Political Stakes
The revolt puts the government in a difficult position. With a majority of 72, it can afford some defections, but a rebellion of this size — if it holds — would make the bill's passage through the Commons uncertain. The government is expected to offer concessions on the grey belt provisions in an attempt to bring wavering MPs back on side.
The opposition has said it will vote against the bill at second reading, describing it as "top-down planning by diktat." The Liberal Democrats, who hold a number of seats in the areas most affected by the proposed targets, have also signalled opposition.