James MacCleary MP comments on proposed planning changes

James MacCleary, MP for Lewes, has responded to planning changes proposed by the Government saying, “The housing crisis demands investment and support for councils to lead social housing efforts.”

He asks government to empower local communities. Key to local support is to improve infrastructure and public services.

James continued, "I'm concerned that the government will fail to take people and communities along with them.

"We need genuinely affordable, community-led homes, but this won't happen while public services and infrastructure are buckling under pressure. In Sussex, we see this daily—overstretched GPs with a lack of facilities in Seaford, Polegate and Willingdon, schools struggling with demand, and traffic bottlenecks in Newhaven. This week, 400 homes passed planning in Newhaven with no traffic or infrastructure plan, worsening these problems. I'm campaigning locally to fix these issues, but the government's plans must address failing infrastructure.

"Communities resist housing plans when they see no commitment to resolving these issues. Ministers must tackle the infrastructure crisis head-on.

"When I led the District Council, our cross-party alliance delivered the first new council homes in decades, tackling housing challenges for vulnerable people. This proved that, with local leadership and clear priorities, we can deliver homes that meet community needs. To scale up, the government must empower councils with funding and authority for major social housing projects. 

“Britain's housing crisis demands a proper plan. Communities are tired of housing promises that leave schools, roads, and healthcare to catch up later. In Sussex, we know what's needed: infrastructure investment, social housing, and local leadership. By putting communities at the heart of planning, we can deliver homes while strengthening the places we live.”