• GOVERNMENT planning policy insists that development is economically viable and provides affordable housing (Mortgage debt trap, October 20).

A developer pays planning obligation contributions which, with mayoral and community infrastructure funding subsidy, finances ‘affordables’ and places the onus on funding development on development itself.

The letter writer argues for a return to Keynesian economic subsidy, intended to stimulate economic growth. Central government takes the burden of providing finance, for example to build the post-war new towns and housing estates.

Questions arise where people chose a government promising a low-tax, US-style economy. Can you also maintain a Scandinavian-style welfare state? The same government may make promises to deliver sufficient housing within a low-tax economy, but can you really have your cake and eat it?

On the other hand, neighbourhood planning could make use of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds to provide affordable housing.

Neighbourhood development plans and infrastructure delivery plans would provide transparent evidence for use in any negotiation with local authorities and the Greater London Authority over local CIL.

This would be applicable to neighbourhoods aiming to plan for housing, including affordable housing, and could be developed via locally-based schemes, such as Islington Community Housing Cooperative’s fine buildings and estate regeneration masterplans.

It is time Town Hall officials looked out the application to designate Crouch Hill and Hornsey Rise Neighbourhood Forum for the already designated neighbourhood area of the same name in N4 and N19.

This application should be published as part of a public consultation. Watch this space.

ADAM COOK
Community planner
Address supplied