Henry Smith MP has spoken at Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons (on Wednesday, 15th June) in support of Ifield residents concerned at Homes England proposals which would see 10,000 housing units built to the west of Ifield.

Commenting after Prime Minister’s Questions, Henry said;

“The proposals for some 10,000 housing units to be built to the west of Ifield would cause considerable pressure on infrastructure as well as significant environmental damage.

“The ‘brownfield first’ principle will ensure houses are not built on flood-prone greenfield sites which aren’t suitable for such development.

“This is my call to the Prime Minister today and is what I’ll continue to pursue with the Government on behalf of Crawley residents.”

Speaking in the House of Commons, Henry Smith MP asked the Prime Minister;

“There are proposals for up to 10,000 housing units on flood-prone greenfield sites to the west of Ifield in my constituency that would also represent intolerable pressure on local services. May I have an assurance from the Prime Minister that as we update planning legislation, we will enshrine the “brownfield first” principle for new developments, and save our environments and our services?”

The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, responded;

“My hon. Friend is completely right. We encourage the use of suitable brownfield land, and our policy is brownfield first, everywhere and always.”