Bromsgrove's Member of Parliament is leading a campaign to safeguard the local green belt, calling for Birmingham to shoulder its 'fair share' of new homes amidst a national housing push.
The Housing Target Disparity
Bradley Thomas, the Conservative MP for Bromsgrove and the Villages, has voiced strong opposition after the government set an annual housing target of 713 new homes for his constituency. This figure represents an increase of more than 80% compared to previous levels.
Meanwhile, the target for neighbouring Birmingham has been reduced by over 30%, settling at roughly 4,500 homes per year. The Labour government has set an ambitious goal to deliver 1.5 million new homes across England by the end of the current Parliament.
Petition and Public Response
Fearing the potential for extensive development on protected countryside, Mr Thomas launched a public petition which has already been signed by more than 5,600 people.
In a message to his constituents, the MP stated: "Let's speak loudly with one voice to tell the government that we do not want our green belt built on in the name of a flawed housing figure."
He demands the government reverse the increase for Bromsgrove, reverse the reduction for Birmingham, and prioritise building on brownfield land. He also insists that necessary infrastructure, such as schools and GP surgeries, must be in place before any new houses are built.
Government and Council Stance
In response, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government defended the targets, stating the government had "inherited the worst housing crisis in living memory."
"All areas, including Bromsgrove, must play their part to build 1.5 million homes and restore the dream of home ownership," they said, adding that targets are set in line with local needs.
Separately, Labour-run Birmingham City Council is undertaking a review of its Local Plan to guide development up to 2044. The council is currently consulting on a strategy that focuses on meeting the city's housing needs on mainly brownfield sites within city centre growth zones.
The government has also encouraged councils to maximise the use of brownfield land and, if necessary, review certain types of less sensitive 'grey belt' land for development, while still adhering to environmental protections.
