Council loses powers for 'dragging feet' on housing
Original Article Summary
The government removes Rossendale Council's power to decide on major planning decisions.
Investor Analysis
Rossendale Council in Lancashire has been stripped of decision-making powers on major planning applications after exceeding the government's 10% planning appeal allowance threshold, with developers now able to bypass the council and submit directly to the Planning Inspectorate. This is part of a broader government enforcement action targeting nine underperforming councils to accelerate housing delivery.
Investor Relevance
Developers and investors active in or considering sites in Rossendale and other designated councils should note they can now bypass local planning committees — reducing one layer of political obstruction risk. More broadly, this signals an active government willingness to enforce planning performance, which may shift the risk calculus for development in areas with historically obstructive or slow councils across England.
Original Source:
BBC NewsStay Updated
Subscribe to our weekly briefings for curated property news and insights