23 May 2007
CSS has given a cautious welcome to much of the Government’s long-awaited Planning White Paper but warned that plans for an independent commission to determine major infrastructure projects could put basic democratic rights at risk.
Miles Butler, chair of CSS’s Strategic Planning and Regeneration Committee, said “Democratic accountability is one of the great strengths of the British system and needs to be preserved at all costs. The principle of an independent commission to deal with sensitive projects is not a bad one which could enable tough decisions to be made much more quickly.
“But CSS believes very strongly that the right mechanisms need to be in place for the public to influence the process and that final decisions should be made by a Minister because it is his or her job to do just that. It is not yet clear whether that will be the case.”
Mr Butler welcomed the simplification of the planning system, which he said would create much needed capacity by allowing minor projects to proceed without the need for planning permission.
He was also delighted that the Government has indicated in the White paper that it is intent on getting to grips with an economic development planning strategy for the nation as a whole. Without it, CSS fears some parts of the UK will struggle to achieve their true potential.
ends
Media contact
Barrie Hedges, Daybreak Communications office 0845 644 3845; mobile 07899 923756; barrie.hedges@daybreakcomm.co.uk
Note to editors
CSS represents the Directors of Strategic Planning, Transportation, Environment, Waste Management and Economic Development throughout the UK. Its members' responsibilities cover more than half the population, 75% of the highways and 90% of the land area of the country.
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