15-minute cities: an international socialist concept or giving people more freedom?

It's an idea few could take issue with - having all the services you need like work, food, health, education and culture within 15 minutes of your house by bike or on foot. The urban planning concept of 15-minute cities is gaining traction around the world and in the UK, with leaders in Sheffield and Newcastle among those embracing the idea of self-sufficient neighbourhoods with less need for cars. But the philosophy has many vocal opponents on the right of politics - and last week in the Commons Conservative Don Valley MP Nick Fletcher joined their ranks as he described 15-minute cities as an "international socialist concept" that "will cost us our personal freedom". This week on The Northern Agenda podcast, the South Yorkshire 'red wall' MP tells Rob exactly why he's concerned - and a local councillor in Sheffield explains why the changes will make it easier to access services on your doorstep. Also, Rob chats with Luke Myer from the IPPR North think-tank about some of the big events of the week in Northern politics. *** The Northern Agenda is a Laudable production for Reach. It is presented by Rob Parsons, and produced by Daniel J. McLaughlin. You can subscribe to the daily Northern Agenda newsletter here: http://www.thenorthernagenda.co.uk/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices