Housing minister accused of bullying

THE non-party-political campaign group, A Better South Oxfordshire (ABSO), has responded to the latest threats of Housing Minister, Robert Jenrick MP, to take the emerging Local Plan 2034 out of the hands of the planning authority, SODC. 

In his most recent letter to Sue Cooper, the Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, Jenrick stated that he is using government powers in Section 27 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 to direct the council to progress the plan through examination to be adopted by December this year, and for senior council officers to report monthly to MHCLG officials on progress of the plan.  

Robert Jenrick, Right Hon. Secretary of State Housing, Communities and Local Government

In a statement today, ABSO said: “Yesterday, the Secretary of State, Robert Jenrick MP, sent a letter to South Oxfordshire District Council directing the council to progress the plan through examination to be adopted by December this year, and for senior council officers to report monthly to MHCLG officials on progress of the plan, claiming that government powers in Section 27 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 gave him the authority to override SODC’s usual democratic decision making processes. 

“We find Jenrick’s letter to be incredible in the truest sense of the word. 

“Notwithstanding that the last five months delay is entirely due to Jenrick’s holding order and other disingenuities, it gives SODC ownership in name only of the Local Plan: they retain all responsibility and culpability whilst losing any authority and control over the plan. It is clearly setting SODC up as a scapegoat for any anger from betrayed voters.” 

‘Bullying’ 

“Bullying now seems endemic, and perhaps agreed policy, of Johnson’s government – but we believe SODC should follow the example set at the weekend and stand up to Jendrick by refusing to comply with his instructions. If he attempts to remove Local Plan control from SODC we believe that they should seek a judicial review on Jenrick’s actions including a holding order on the plan and its examination in public until the review is complete. Any further delays would be therefore be entirely Jenrick’s fault as indeed the last five months of delay was entirely at his hand.” 

Leader’s response 

Cllr Cooper herself, in response to the latest letter, said: “It’s disappointing the Secretary of State has felt it necessary to intervene. However, the council remains committed to working constructively with the MHCLG and the Secretary of State as well as engaging productively with our partnerships across Oxfordshire.” 

‘Political posturing’ 

The Lib Dem/Green administration at SODC believe that they are democratically obliged to change the Local Plan devised by the former, Conservative administration, because of concerns about overall housing numbers, the release of sensitive green belt sites and the Plan’s insufficient recognition of the climate and ecological emergency. This was a major factor in the change of control of South Oxfordshire District Council in May, from Conservative dominance to a Liberal Democrat – Green partnership, they contend.  

But in a scathing report to Thame Town Council last night (Tuesday 03/03), County Cllr Nick Carter spoke about Oxfordshire County Council’s vote to take over control of the plan if invited to do so. He said: “However, we (himself and Cllr Jeannette Matelot Green) felt the best solution would be to allow SODC’s democratically elected Lib Dem administration the time to see sense, stop its political posturing, and enable the Local Plan to resume its progress through an independent examination.  

“We felt this solution would be the only sure way to avoid scuppering more than £500m of future infrastructure investment for the rest of the county. Now that further time has elapsed, it seems that the Lib Dem & Green coalition at SODC is indeed going to fall into line, however reluctantly, with all the other district councils in Oxfordshire. We will refrain from saying “we told you so” until after it happens and this ridiculous row can finally blow over.” 

Request for advice remains unanswered 

Cllr Cooper’s request for guidance to the Minister in a previous letter: “On the understanding that you continue to view eLP2034 [the Local Plan]proceeding to inspection as the only possible way forward, it would help us if your officials could list some examples of the kinds of significant changes which would address our concerns that can be made as modifications during inspection,” has not so far been responded to by the Minister. 

The Cabinet and Council meetings will go ahead as scheduled on Thursday, March 5, where councillors will receive a verbal update from senior officers.  

**Councillors cannot consider the options set out in the officer’s report published with the meeting agenda due to the Secretary of State’s new direction. 

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