Havant Council Slams Government Over Housing Plans
Havant Borough Council is sounding the alarm on Whitehall’s planning reforms that would nearly double new homes in the area. The local authority fired off a formal response, warning the proposals are unrealistic and damaging for the borough.
Proposed Housing Target Soars by 91%
Currently, Havant’s target is 504 new homes a year, based on the government’s Standard 1 Method. The new reforms, however, would push that figure to 963 annually – a staggering 91% hike. For a compact, urbanised borough like Havant, council bosses say this is simply unfeasible.
Local Leader: Doubling Housing Targets ‘Impossible’
Councillor Gary Hughes, Deputy Leader, said: “We have a moral obligation to meet housing needs and give young people opportunities. Our Local Plan already aims for more than 500 homes a year up to 2037.
“But with limited land, even hitting that is a struggle that demands huge council effort. To then double the target is impossible. We urge the government to make these reforms fair and realistic.”
Concerns Over Impact on Environment and Local Communities
Cllr Hughes highlighted that the National Planning Policy Framework mandates development must support economic, social, and environmental goals. The new plans, he argues, clash with existing policies that protect the borough’s natural, built, and historic assets.
There’s also worry the council could be forced to accept any and all development, with no power to redistribute housing targets to neighbouring areas – another blow to Havant’s ability to manage growth.
In short, Havant Council is making a stand. They back sensible, sustainable growth but warn Whitehall’s plan puts their community on a collision course with impossible targets and environmental harm.
