Shapps rolls out Community Right to Build across England

The Community Right to Build is to be made available across England, rather than just in rural areas, Housing Minister Grant Shapps has announced.

The change was contained in the Localism Bill, which was published this afternoon. Under the right, local communities can – subject to safeguards – take forward development in their area without having to apply for planning permission.

However, it has also emerged today that just 50% support from the local community in a referendum will be required for developments to proceed.

When the government first announced the proposals, it said the percentage required was likely to be between 80-90%. This was later reduced to 75%.

According to the Department for Communities and Local Government, the Housing Minister believes the latest reduction is justified on the basis of the checks and balances the government intends to put in place to ensure community-led projects fit into their local council’s wider vision for the development of the area.

Shapps said: "Whether in a village, town or city, it is local people who best know the housing challenges their community faces. I want every community to have the tools they need to work together and find appropriate local solutions.

"That's why the Localism Bill will mean that the new Community Right to Build won't just be available for countryside communities - it will be open to anyone with the drive and vision to build homes wherever they live in the country.

"These community-led developments won't need normal planning permission, but will instead need to pass the test of public opinion, and gain the support of more than half of voters in a local referendum. I hope this will prompt neighbourhoods up and down the country to consider the housing needs of their communities, and take up their right to build."