Planning Reform Bill debate airs RTPI policy statement concerns

Planning, 4 January 2008

Communities secretary Hazel Blears promised that "there will be more accountability and a better place for the public to have a substantial debate about the national need for infrastructure".

Labour MP Paul Trusswell insisted that for national policy statements to be effective, "the process should include policy options so people can look at what has been considered". Conservative MP Eric Pickles added: "Parliament must have responsi bility for devising and testing those vital statements. Matters of national importance such as airports, power stations, waste disposal plants and major transport links should be decided by the Commons."

Labour MP John McDonnell was concerned that if there are to be 45 major infrastructure developments a year, "the £1.5 million allocated to Planning Aid to help local objectors, residents and environmental groups will in no way enable them to have an effective voice in the process". The bill will be considered by a standing committee of MPs.