LOCAL MP EXPRESSES CONCERNS ABOUT ATTACK ON PLANNING SYSTEM

Tony Baldry MP questions new planning quango

North Oxfordshire MP, Tony Baldry, has written to Planning Minister, Yvette Cooper, expressing concerns over a quango which could limit residents say over the planning process.  The Independent Infrastructure Planning Commission will undermine the say that local authorities have over the planning system, including the possibility of limiting councillors say over the siting of nuclear power stations.

Tony Baldry MP said:

"I am very concerned about the Government’s proposals for the future of the planning system and in particular the intention to create a new Quango – the Independent Infrastructure Planning Commission – which seems intended to strip Local Authorities of any say over siting of such things as airports, power stations, motorways and other major projects which, by definition, would have a major impact on local people and local communities. This seems a device to enable Ministers to impose their will  on local communities, regardless of local views."