Councils face tough decisions over housing plans

Councils across the region are finding it almost impossible to turn down large housing developments as if they do they won't receive millions of pounds in Government bonuses. In North Devon a campaign group called DEFEND has been set up to try to ensure that only appropriate house building plans go through.

We've seen less direct action protests against house building in recent years but that level of anger is beginning to build again. Councillors who say yes or no to planning applications argue they're now feeling powerless and bribed by Government to approve large housing developments without question. Why? Well, the coalition is giving out millions of pounds to hard pressed councils in it's New Homes bonus scheme in a bid to get the economy moving.

DEFEND is a coalition itself of fifteen campaign groups across North Devon. The organisation isn't against house building but rather in favour of appropriate development and appalled that councils it says are being put over a barrel.

This policy doesn't only affect North Devon but every other planning authority across the country.

During the week the council planning committee took the unusual step of making a formal statement to say it's very concerned about this straight jacket it's being forced to wear.

Watch our Business correspondent Seth Conway's report below: