Local authorities have been invited to comment on the changes, which would see an extra 300,000 homes built nationwide each year. In West Sussex, the figure would be an extra 2,234 homes each year, which has been been called ‘unbelievable’ by some and ‘damaging’ by others. At a meeting of the full council, all parties were united in supporting a motion tabled by Simon Oakley (North Mundham & Tangmere) calling on the government to withdraw the proposals. Mr Oakley said: “In effect, the government is saying ‘build, build, build and we’ll think about the infrastructure – if there is the money – and environmental effects later’. “This is not planning for socially, economically or environmentally sustainable development. “Covid 19 will eventually fade away, but the consequences of these proposals will not. “The government needs to think again and pay more heed to elected local councillors than the unelected development industry which appears to have more access to and influence on Westminster politicians.” The motion also raised concerns about the impact the changes would have on the number of affordable houses built. Rather than a certain percentage – usually 30 per cent – of each development, developers would only have to include affordable housing on builds larger than 40-50 homes. Mr Oakley predicted developers would simply break sites up into smaller parcels to avoid having to provide any such homes. He was supported by Jonathan Brown (Lib Dem, Southbourne), who tabled an amendment to the motion, highlighting the damage the planning changes would have to Local and Neighbourhood Plans. Mr Brown said the changes would be ‘particularly damaging and distructive’ to the district, adding: “Should the government not listen, there will be very damaging consequences for us locally. “To the environment, to our planning strategy, including infrastructure provision and access to so-called affordable housing and to confidence and engagement with the democratic decision making and local accountability. “The government’s proposals threaten to run a coach and horses through the Local Plan and neighbourhood planning. “We need to know the government will support communities who are doing the right thing and who are proactively planning and we need the public to know that the council is fighting for their right to do the right thing.” Leader Eileen Lintill told the meeting that the council had discussed the concerns with MPs and other leaders, submitted questions to government and joined online meetings with the planning minister. Calling the proposed changes ‘almost unbelievable’, she added: “We are not going to go quietly on this. “It’s really good to see the whole council are coming together on this because it’s something that we all need to fight together.” Join the Big Conversation and have your say on everything from healthcare to how the pandemic has affected you personally and how we make our communities stronger.