BPF asks for details on how mortgage holders will shape their communities

Date:Wednesday 8th December 2010
Author: Susanna Kavka

The British Property Federation (BPF) has called on the government to offer further details on its plans to have mortgage holders and other residents shape their neighbourhoods.

Chief executive of the industry body Liz Peace noted that the localism bill should give people more of an idea of what the state has in mind for its proposals to give people a greater say on what happens in their community.

She said: "We understand and support the principle of devolving power to neighbourhoods, but this announcement raises some interesting questions as to how this will work in practice."

Her comments were made after communities secretary Eric Pickles and planning minister Greg Clark announced neighbourhood forums will decide on council policy in certain respects.

Last week, Ms Peace called on the government to ensure that its changes to the planning system stimulate growth and enhance development, rather than lead to some form of 'nimbyism'.