Planning reform - the Government fails to listen

16 September 2011

The Government has told a committee of MPs that a legal definition of sustainable development is ''not necessarily required''.

But Friends of the Earth disagrees and says it's imperative that planning plays its part in delivering a greener, fairer future.

Failure to define what is 'sustainable' could lead to a surge in poor developments as local councils would lack clear guidelines.

These proposed reforms are a recipe for chaos. How can the planning system encourage sustainable development if Ministers prioritise economic growth at the expense of local communities and the environment?

Naomi Luhde-Thompson, Planning Campaigner, Friends of the Earth

Little has changed

Planning Minister Greg Clark recently invited Friends of the Earth and other environmental organisations to discuss their concerns.

Our Policy Director Craig Bennett told the minister that fundamental changes are needed to protect our countryside and stop global climate change.

We told him his plans were a major concern to people across England. People don't want their land and quality of life trashed by unnecessary, low-quality development.

Craig Bennett, Policy Director, Friends of the Earth

Greener future

Friends of the Earth is not anti-development but is pressing for a strong low-carbon economy to tackle climate change - and create green jobs for the future.

We are calling for:

• New infrastructure
  To deliver a strong, green economy.
• More green energy
  Such as wind turbines, solar installations and anaerobic digesters.
• Affordable green homes
  to help solve our housing problems.

Make them listen

Please write to your MP to help stop the planning free-for-all.