North Lincolnshire Council challenges increased housing target with Government
Cabinet members voice concerns over rising housebuilding targets
North Lincolnshire Council plans to formally raise "serious concerns" with the Government regarding a significant increase in its annual housing target.
The council's cabinet has agreed to send a letter to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government about their concerns with the new target of 637 homes a year, a rise of 77% from the previous target.
The increase follows revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) presented by the Government as part of efforts to build 1.5 million homes in England during this Parliament.
North Lincolnshire Council's Cabinet has decided to transition to the Government's new Local Plan system rather than submitting a new Local Plan under the old framework, which would remain a possibility until December 2024.
This decision comes after discussions with various governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
In Autumn 2024, the council had withdrawn its draft Local Plan due to NPPF policy changes, delaying its submission.
Guidance was issued in March advising councils on navigating this transition.
Concerns persist among councillors concerning both housing numbers and renewable energy policies in the area.
Adding to the tensions surrounding council policies, a dispute continues over traveller community provision.
Labour councillors argue that the council is not meeting legal requirements in providing authorised traveller sites, following a recent illegal encampment incident at Scunthorpe’s Manor Park.
Conservative councillors, led by Cllr Rob Waltham, expressed opposition to using taxpayer money for traveller sites and accused Labour of advocating for this, which was repudiated by Labour's Cllr Len Foster.
The debate saw heated exchanges between the two parties, highlighting ongoing disagreements in council policy regarding traveller provision.