London Councils slams 'ghastly' IPC

Michael Donnelly, PlanningResource, 24 June 2008

London Councils says it fears an IPC would hand decisions on major planning proposals to an unelected body – with local residents having no power to hold them to account.

Chairman of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee, councillor Daniel Moylan said: "The government’s proposal that a group of shadowy, unelected bureaucrats should decide on the most controversial projects facing our communities is frankly ghastly.

"Removing elected politicians from the planning process removes any recourse local people have to ensure their voices are heard when the big decisions are being made. This is a shameful idea, and one that should be scrapped immediately."

The group says it is concerned the government will use the IPC to push through plans to expand Heathrow, despite widespread opposition.

The government faces a tight vote on the Planning Bill in the Commons tomorrow afternoon. Over 60 MPs have signed a motion seeking to keep decisions on major planning applications in ministers’ hands and curtail the powers of the IPC. The vote has already been delayed by the government twice.