Labour's 'perverse' cut-price land grab is 'a step too far'

AN expert called the Government's “perverse” planning strategy “a step too far”, as farmers risk having their land bought from them on the cheap.

- By Adam Toms

Ministers want to give local councils powers to purchase land for less than its potential value and exclude “hope value” — the amount value could increase if it was to have planning permission granted.

David Bean, of the Countryside Alliance, said: “We recognise the urgent need for more affordable housing, upgrades of infrastructure...and streamlining the planning system. However, some of the Government’s proposals are a step too far.

“The state should pay the market price for land it wants to acquire. Excluding ‘hope value’ from the price paid for assets compulsorily purchased is grossly unfair.