Ellie Ames 18 October 2023

Government ‘dodges scrutiny’ in levelling up Bill amendment

Government ‘dodges scrutiny’ in levelling up Bill amendment  image
Image: Richie Chan / Shutterstock.com.

Both rural campaigners and planners have raised concerns that communities were sidelined in yesterday’s amendments to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill.

Peers had amended the Bill to mean new National Development Management Policies (NDMPs) would have to be reviewed through public consultation and parliamentary scrutiny.

MPs voted against the amendment, which countryside charity CPRE said allowed the Government to make decisions ‘without clear assurances as to how it will consult local people’, and with no consultation at all where it would be ‘urgent and expedient’ to adopt or amend policies.

CPRE head of policy and planning Paul Miner said: ‘This outrageous and underhanded power-grab resets any progress made to safeguard local democracy in planning decisions.

‘It could give government free rein to fast-track developments that damage the environment or amend local social housing targets – all while avoiding public or parliamentary scrutiny.’

MPs also voted against peers’ amendments for NDMPs to be in line with net zero and for councils to be allowed to hold meetings virtually.

Royal Town Planning Institute chief executive Victoria Hills said: ‘Without these important clauses in the Bill, we worry that these reforms will not produce a more democratic, transparent and community-led planning system.

‘This is a missed opportunity to transform our planning system for the greater good of society.’

The House of Lords will consider the amendments on 23 October.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Executive Director – Adult Social Care, Health & Wellbeing

Sefton Borough Council
£131,208 (Hay 1)
Lead with Purpose. Build on Excellence. Shape the Future of Health and Wellbeing in Sefton. Sefton (Metropolitan borough), Merseyside
Recuriter: Sefton Borough Council

Strategic Finance Business Partners (five roles)

Nottingham City Council
up to £80k
Nottingham is a bold, vibrant, and exciting Core City at the heart of the UK, alive with potential and ambition. Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Nottingham City Council

Director of Finance (Strategy) – deputy S151

Nottingham City Council
up to £125k
Nottingham is a bold, vibrant, and exciting Core City at the heart of the UK, alive with potential and ambition. Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Nottingham City Council

Customer Specialist

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum
Customer SpecialistPermanent, Part Time£25,081 pro rataLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Customer Specialist

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £27653.00 per annum
Customer SpecialistPermanent, Part Time£25,081 to £27,653 pro rataLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner