MP warns controversial Government plans risks no affordable homes being built in the South Lakes

Local MP Tim Farron has warned ministers that moves to reform the planning system will lead to developers being able to escape from building affordable homes in the South Lakes.

Plans outlined in the Government's white paper 'Planning for the future' would increase the number of properties a developer could build on a site before building an affordable home from 10 to either 40 or 50.

Speaking during a debate in Parliament last week, Tim said: "The average house price in my constituency is £260,000. The average household income is £26,000.

"It is obvious why we lose a third of our young people. Our communities, our council, our national parks want to be able to build houses, but build the right houses so that there are homes for local people in the Lakes, the Dales and the rest of the South Lakes.

"The Government are planning to say that developments of up to 50 units would not have to take any affordables as part of that proposal.

"I can tell hon. Members that in our communities we very rarely get developments of larger than 50 units.

"This set of proposals would lead to the removal of any affordable homes being built in the South Lakes for the foreseeable future."