PEOPLE in Tenbury are being urged to have their say in plans to change national planning policy.

There has been concern in the town about how it can cope with new development both in Worcestershire and over the river in Burford, that is in Shropshire.

West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin, whose constituency includes Tenbury, has urged local people to have their say as the Government reforms its national planning policy.

Communities Secretary Michael Gove has written to Mrs Baldwin confirming plans to consult on national planning policy including removing mandatory housing targets and protecting prime agricultural land.

The Government is planning to introduce changes to the National Planning Policy Framework which will give local people a greater say on where new homes are built.

The policy will reduce the pressure on local councils to show a five-year supply of house building projects which has recently resulted in them losing planning appeals on controversial housing developments across south Worcestershire.

“Over recent weeks, I have shared my views with the Government on top-down housing targets,” said Mrs Baldwin.

I am pleased that the Government has listened, and I welcome the decision to consult on changes to the planning policy framework.

“Having a five-year land supply is still crucial and I encourage our local councils to work hard on this to head off the unwanted and unpopular speculative planning applications.

“This planning reform consultation will allow people to have their say.”