This morning, I received a response from the Housing Minister’s Planning Policy Advisor in response to the letter I sent a few days ago. I have included the text of the letter below. I am very pleased with how swiftly the response has come.
It is clear that the Government is very concerned about the sale of small plots of Green Belt land, and is very much aware of the difficulty buyers would face in actually gaining planning permission. The problems that the fragmentation of land holdings can cause – and the concerns created in the local community are acknowledged.
The advice to us in the letter focussed on three areas:
1. Investigate the potential for an Article 4 Direction on the land.
I know East Herts Council is looking at this, and I have followed up again with them today. The rules for implementing Article 4 Directions have become more restrictive, so it is not yet clear whether we can ask for this.
2. Ensure that the planning status of the land is well known.
I think it is clear we’re doing this given the amazing community response, and the coverage in the Indie.
3. If there is any indication of misleading advertising to involve Trading Standards.
In this instance, I don’t think I’ve seen anything which would necessitate involving trading standards, although some other adverts I have seen from around the country have been outrageous. Trading Standards have been involved in these cases.
(I have redacted the name and e-mail address of the person from the Minister’s office who sent the letter, as they will be a civil servant and not a politician)
Councillor David Snowdon
Deputy Leader and Chairman of Finance Committee, Bishop’s Stortford Town Council
East Herts District Councillor
