Councillors in Rossendale have fiercely criticised a government decision that strips the borough of its power to determine major housing applications, branding it an 'attack on democracy'. The 'designation notice' means developers can now submit large-scale housing plans directly to national planning inspectors instead of the local council, if they choose.
Government Intervention Over Appeal Rates
The move follows data showing Rossendale Council had the highest proportion of planning appeals upheld by national inspectors between 2023 and 2025. Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook issued similar notices to nine councils where more than 10% of appeals were allowed after initial refusals. The government argues this will accelerate housing delivery and encourage councils to make 'quality planning decisions'.
Council's Response
However, the council insists only two applications pushed it over the threshold: one for 71 homes at Fieldfare Way, Bacup, and another for 44 homes at Hardman Avenue, Rawtenstall. Council leader Labour Coun Alyson Barnes said: 'The numbers involved were small but the implications are massive for local residents. The Bacup site was in our local plan, but that doesn't give developers free rein. Our planning committee's local knowledge is vital.' She added that the council would still try to reach local agreements and explore any options to appeal the designation, despite no formal process.
Political Reactions
Conservative Coun Scott Smith described the decision as 'an attack on local democracy dressed up as planning reform'. He said: 'First the government doubled our housing target without regard for infrastructure; now they're stripping powers from elected councillors.' Fellow Tory Alan Woods questioned the basis for the designation, saying he could recall only one major appeal being overturned in five years. Green Party Coun Julie Adshead called the designation 'out of all proportion and most unfair', noting it 'erodes another layer of democratic input' and gives developers 'free rein' to bypass key stages of approval.
