Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook has rejected claims that the government’s new planning reforms are designed to penalize farmers, as the Planning and Infrastructure Bill is set to be published later today. The bill, which aims to streamline the planning process and accelerate infrastructure projects, has faced criticism from some quarters, including the Countryside Alliance, which argues that the reforms could harm farmers by allowing councils to acquire land at below-market prices.
Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner outlined the bill’s key measures, emphasizing its potential to boost housing and infrastructure development. The legislation will fast-track decisions for over 150 major infrastructure projects, streamline consultation requirements, and prioritize renewable energy projects to achieve clean power by 2030. Additionally, households living within 500 meters of new electricity pylons will receive up to £250 a year off their energy bills.
Pennycook dismissed these concerns, stating that the reforms are not aimed at agricultural land. “We are obviously and very clearly not setting out to target agricultural land,” he told LBC. “The land use framework we’re consulting on currently will ensure that prime agricultural land is protected, and food security is protected.” He added that the CPO powers would primarily be used for urban regeneration projects on brownfield sites.
The minister also addressed the government’s ongoing dispute with the Sentencing Council over new guidelines that critics claim create a “two-tier justice system.” Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has called for the guidelines to be withdrawn, but the council has refused, arguing that they aim to address disparities in sentencing for minority ethnic offenders. Pennycook reiterated the government’s stance, stating, “We don’t agree with differential treatment, regardless of anyone’s background,” and hinted that legislation could be used to override the council if necessary.
Meanwhile, the government announced that its new pylons discount scheme, which offers energy bill reductions to households near new power infrastructure, would result in an average annual increase of just 80p to £1.50 for consumers. Pennycook emphasized that the long-term benefits of renewable energy would lead to lower bills overall.
As the Planning and Infrastructure Bill moves forward, the government faces the challenge of balancing the need for development with concerns from farmers and other stakeholders.
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