PLANNING DECISIONS AND LOCALISM

That this House notes the recent planning decision at appeal to allow 504 homes to be built in the village of Barrow in the Ribble Valley; further notes that according to the electoral register Barrow had 304 dwellings two years ago and that over 250 homes have been built or been approved before this recent decision was taken; is concerned that with permission to build 504 more homes, the village of Barrow will have tripled in size within a very short period of time; understands that the application to build 504 new homes was vehemently opposed by the residents, the local authority and local hon. Member; and calls on the Government to give due weight to the views of local residents, councillors and council officers when deciding appeal decisions and to address the meaning of the word localism for the purposes of planning decisions.