Gove wants planning decided by street referendums

Michael Gove has given his support to the “cracking” idea of street votes, which would allow homeowners to hold referendums on adding extensions to their properties. Under the plans, 20% of residents, or 10 homeowners if higher, could apply to their local council to hold a referendum on a design code for their street. The code, which would then need the support of 60% of residents, would determine the height, size and architectural style of new properties and allow residents to add extensions to their existing homes. Speaking in the Commons, Gove said street votes, an idea originally proposed by the Policy Exchange think-tank, would give homeowners more say over the buildings in their area, improve the look of the suburbs and increase the value of properties. He described it as “a triple whammy of good news” adding that the government wanted to “shamelessly rip off” the idea. “It is rare that we have a piece of legislation which combines greater democratic control, the potential for the beautification of our urban and suburban environment and unlocks the potential for the value of individuals’ homes to be enhanced by additional development,” he said. The Times (£)