West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin today urged communities to get involved in the local planning consultation process. And the MP explained that national newspaper coverage of the consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework had given some constituents the impression that localism had gone by the wayside. Harriett this week wrote to the Department for Communities and Local Government with her two county colleagues Peter Luff and Robin Walker to respond to the consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework. Harriett commented: “The National Framework only comes into effect if there is no local plan. Councillors from Worcester City Council, Malvern Hills District Council and Wychavon District Council have come up with some initial suggestions for our local plan, which goes out to consultation today.” As far as the National Plan is concerned, the three local MPs have submitted a reply to the consultation urging that “windfall” sites be considered and that a requirement to add 20% to numbers should be scrapped. Harriett added: “I strongly urge local people to get involved in the national and local consultations to express their views on where homes and businesses can grow in our local area. “The aim of localism is to put decision-making in to the hands of local people, not central Government. The local plan really needs your views. “Full details of the consultation can be found on the local council websites and I will be sending in my own views.” Worcester MP Robin Walker commented: "I genuinely agree that the best way to protect green spaces and at the same time deliver the necessary increases in housing is for local people to be in charge of making the decisions. “I think that it is vital for people to contribute to the consultation." Peter Luff, Mid Worcestershire MP, added: "I'm sure that with the right amendments, the Government's plans to simplify the planning system can also offer all the protection local communities are seeking." | Click here to download formal response to consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework from Peter Luff MP, Mid Worcestershire and Harriett Baldwin MP, West Worcestershire.