Govt delays planning bill
Friday, 6 June 2008 12:01 AM
The government has delayed the controversial planning bill until later in the month, in what is being claimed as a victory for environmental groups.
At least 60 Labour backbenchers have signed a motion expressing concern with the government's plan to create an infrastructure planning commission.
This body would help the secretary of state make decisions on the biggest planning decisions, like where to site new nuclear power stations and how to develop the nation's transport infrastructure.
MPs are concerned commissioners would lack accountability and are challenging the government as a result.
The government has responded to concerns by delaying the legislation. Ministers are meeting with backbenchers and Ms Harman has met with select committee chairmen.
"It is only right that if hon members, including chairs of select committees, raise questions about a piece of government legislation, the appropriate thing to do is to reflect on what changes might need to be made," she said.
"Hon members cannot have it both ways. Either they raise issues and want us to address them, or they raise issues and criticise us if we plough ahead."
Ms Harman said the bill would "probably" return to the floor of the Commons on June 23rd.
Friends of the Earth's planning campaigner, Hugh Ellis said: "The planning bill is an environmental disaster.
"The government wants to fast-track major developments - such as airports, roads and power stations - through the planning system without considering their impact on climate change and with little regard for local opinion.
"Ministers must listen to the mounting concern, and put people and the planet at the heart of our planning system."
But a spokesman for the Department of Communities and Local Government denied any radical departures to the government's plans.
"There'll be no major changes to the legislation," he told politics.co.uk.
Liberal Democrat local government spokesperson Dan Rogerson said: "Yet again the government is running scared from its own backbenchers.
"This is just the latest in a long line of u-turns from this failed prime minister. The government has clearly seen the writing on the wall.
"Even Labour MPs recognise that it's wrong to hand crucial planning powers to an unelected, unaccountable quango."
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