Labour's central planning has for a long time stifled diversity and local initative. It has for too long prevented local individuals from having a say in the future shape of their communities and denigrated the power of the local decision-making authorities, hence making them less accountable. This is bad for democracy.
So the news that housebuilder Cala Homes has just lost a legal battle against the Government's claim that its intention to abolish regional housing targets should be considered when deciding on planning decisions is brilliant news.
In short, it is a resounding victory for the Coalition Government's localism agenda and is proof that Labour's top-down planning system is tentatively close to dying its long-awaited death. Good riddance I say.
George Saliagopoulos
Conservative Consultant
