Vicki Shiel,
Planning,
4 July 2008
The government's concessions on the Planning Bill have failed to convince a range of industry players.
Following the bill's third Commons reading, Labour MP John Grogan's bid to ensure that ministers take a final decision on major projects within six months of their approval by the infrastructure planning commission (IPC) was defeated by 303 votes to 260.
Among its concessions (see box) the government said it would review the IPC after two years. But Selby MP Grogan was unimpressed by the result. He said: "This does nothing to deal with the issue of democracy."
Another Labour rebel amendment to let the public make oral representations to the commission was rejected by 306 votes to 262. Friends of the Earth planning campaigner Hugh Ellis maintained: "Essentially there were no concessions."
David Elvin of Landmark Chambers said the concessions will not cut any red tape. "Improvements can be made without removing the right to call evidence or ask questions," he added.
Campaign to Protect Rural England senior planning campaigner Paul Miner suggested that the IPC will not be able to determine any projects in its first two years because the national policy statements - on which it will base its decisions - may not be ready.
However, the RTPI welcomed the amendments on national policy statements and parliamentary scrutiny of the IPC. The bill now goes on to face its second reading in the House of Lords in two weeks' time.
Planning Bill concessions
- Nuclear and aviation national policy statements will be location-specific.
- The infrastructure planning commission (IPC) will be reviewed after two years.
- Parliament will scrutinise IPC deputy chairs and chair before appointment.
- Chair may be called on to explain individual decisions.
- IPC must hold public hearings for people affected by compulsory purchase orders.
- IPC must consider council reports on community views of proposals.
