MP on planning board

South Holland and the Deepings MP Sir John Hayes has been placed on a board aimed at setting government policy on new housing.
He is the only Member of Parliament appointed to advise Government planning and housing policy through the Office for Place, the first body of its kind authorised to fashion and guide all Government policy in this field.
The office is aiming to drive up design standards by testing the National Model Design Code with, initially, more than 20 local councils and communities.
Sir John says that from now on, poor design, of itself, will be sufficient alone to refuse a planning application.
“The government’s reinvigorated push for the prioritisation of beauty in housing is a cause dear to my heart, one which will brighten the lives of countless Britons if pursued effectively.
“Having been appointed to the leadership of the Office for Place board I am honoured to be asked to bring my personal experience of Parliament and government to bear in achieving this noble aim; and look forward to working with our excellent councillors in South Holland and The Deeping to help lead this sea change in what and where we build.”