Liberal Democrats oppose Government removing local planning powers (York Liberal Democrats)

York Liberal Democrats <info@yorklibdems.org.uk>

Liberal Democrats oppose Government removing local planning powers

May 29, 2008 7:01 PM

A new government body could be set up to make decisions on planning applications for large infrastructure such as roads, power stations and airports, if the Government's Planning Bill is agreed next month.

The Bill would set up an Infrastructure Planning Commission, made up of unelected and unaccountable government officials, which would remove council's planning powers on major projects. The Government argues that this would make the planning process cheaper and quicker.

Under the current system, local and elected councillors, who understand the needs of the area, make most decisions on planning applications, unless they go to appeal and are then decided by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. Normal applications would still be dealt with in this way, yet now these large-scale applications would be referred to an independent commission, which is illogical.

Councillor Richard Watson, Chair of the council's Planning Committee, said: "It would be dire if local planning decisions are made by central government. It is important that elected councillors have a say on large-scale projects in their area, as they will understand the local circumstances and potential concerns of residents. Unelected government officials who do not understand the local area should not be granted these powers.

"This is yet another example of the government removing powers from local control and local people who are better placed to understand the needs of their area."