Do you think Wymondham should have more houses? The truth is what you think doesn’t matter. Or at least, that’s what the government seems to think.

Ever since the modern concept of planning permission was created in 1947, the ability to build has, at least notionally, depended on the consent of those who live near the area being built on. No longer. From now on, if your council wants to refuse a planning application for more than 150 homes, it must write to the Secretary of State in London, to effectively ask for their consent to refuse planning permission. This Council Leader anticipates a lot of applications for 151 houses in the future.

The truth is large parts of the country have brought this upon themselves, opposing every development for the sake of it, and making it harder and harder for the next generation to own their own homes. But not everywhere, not in South Norfolk, and not in Wymondham. We did our bit, we grew, and we welcomed new people into our community. The government’s attempt to use a sledgehammer to crack a nut will reverberate in those areas that least warrant it, like ours.

We have always insisted on certain conditions; that the strategic gap with Hethersett be protected so Wymondham can retain its unique character, that development bring with it supporting infrastructure, like the new primary school in Silfield, the pedestrian path under the railway bridge, or money for upgrades coming soon to Ketts Park and Browick Rec.

Will the Secretary of State, sitting in London (who has already revised housing targets to give Norfolk more houses, and London fewer… mysterious that) care about the priorities of Wymondham? I doubt it.

Britain has a housing problem, that much is true, but democracy functions by gaining the consent of those affected by decisions. Cohesive communities can only be created when the existing residents see and welcome new housing, because they understand the benefits to residents both old and new, and how it will work in the context of their area. If areas that did their part get saddled with even more houses regardless, why should any council co-operate in the future?

The government's actions will deter councils from trying to make sensible long-term housing plans. What is forced upon us will upset the communities the government purports to serve. For that reason, I oppose the changes to planning rules this government is making, and I urge everyone in Wymondham to join me in fighting them.