Write to be heard

Dear Rt Hon Hazel Blears MP Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government

I am writing to ask you to ensure that public involvement in the Planning Bill is meaningful. Independent legal opinions have clearly set out how the new process will be open to more challenge because people will not be able to present their case adequately. I am very concerned at how changes to the current system will reduce people's opportunity to be meaningfully involved, especially as regards the following: - A default position of written examination rather than public inquiry - No explicit right to cross-examination, and to bring expert witnesses - Lack of support to people making representations from legal advisers - Lack of independent pre-application consultation process - Unelected, unaccountable decision-making body For myself and others as members of the public to have any confidence in the new major infrastructure planning system, the Planning Bill must safeguard the existing rights and be seen to be fair.

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