SDSAF have written a response to this white paper.View this response here
Appendicies to the response are here.
Reply from our MP
Thank you for your email sharing the SDSAF response to the Government consultation over proposed changes to the standard method of assessing housing numbers. It is an impressive detailed response.
You kindly referred to my article in the Chronicle on 17 September. As you can tell, this is an issue which is very close to my heart, particularly the protection of the Green Belt and I share the concerns of the SDSAF in relation to the algorithm.
The recent planning reforms have been an issue many constituents have been in touch with me about. I have been having ongoing conversations with Robert Jenrick the Secretary of State for Communities, Housing and Local Government on this topic. You will have seen from my article that I held a one to one meeting with the Secretary of State on Wednesday 2nd September. Since then, I have had a further meeting with him online along with the Sevenoaks District Council leader Peter Fleming – with whom I am working closely on this issue.
I understand the strength of feeling locally and I will be using your comments and feedback as part of my ongoing conversations. I would encourage the SDSAF to also contribute to the current Government consultation on “Planning for the future”. Here is a link to that consultation for your convenience: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/MHCLG-Planning-for-the-Future/
You might be interested to know that last week I held an online meeting with Richard Knox-Johnson Vice-President of CPRE Kent (and Chairman of the London Green Belt Council). We discussed our concerns, particularly over the algorithm, and I will maintain contact with CPRE through Richard through this process.
Once again, thank you for having taken the time to contact me and if I can be of any further assistance in future, please do not hesitate to contact me.
With best wishes,
Laura
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR SEVENOAKS AND SWANLEY