Planning Bill amendments

30 May 2008

The Planning Bill has finished in Committee, and will be debated on the 2^nd June before moving on to the Lords.

What's wrong with the Planning Bill

The Planning Bill contains the Government's proposals for reform of the planning system. These proposals will mean:

• Less say
  No meaningful right to be heard in person at inquiries.
• Less democracy
  No ministerial accountability for decisions.
• No mention of climate change
  Major new developments like power stations don't have to take climate change into account.

This could mean that big new developments happen near you, and your voice will not be heard.

What happens next

• Report Stage
  MPs will debate further changes to the Bill in Parliament on the 2^nd of June
• House of Lords
  The Bill goes to the Lords and they discuss changes in Committee
• Final reading

During the report stage in Parliament, MPs will debate the amendments that have been tabled on the Bill. We need to lobby MPs to get the climate change amendment and a proper right to be heard amendment included in the Bill.

Amendments are debated and then voted upon, so it is very important that your MP is aware of your concern.

The third reading will happen on June the 9^th when MPs will vote whether to accept or reject the Bill.

Amendments to the Bill

We have sent a briefing to MPs asking them to support two amendments that will ensure the Bill considers climate change.

We have also sent them a coalition briefing asking them support an amendment to ensure a proper right to be heard for communities.

We also have a Question and Answer on the Planning Bill if you want to know more.

Press for change

There is still time for you to ask your MP to support these crucial amendments that will get climate change and rights included in the Planning Bill.

Your MP could be influential in this debate - make sure they know it is important that they take this action for climate change.

Press for change >