Osborne paves way for disastrous development6 September 2011
The Chancellor has defended controversial planning reforms which threaten to trigger a building free-for-all.
Writing in the Financial Times Chancellor George Osborne and Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles said they will not back-track on the reforms.
They claim that changes are key to our economic recovery. They also say that there will be a presumption in favour of sustainable development.
Bad development
But by failing to define what sustainable development means Government plans are likely to encourage a building free-for-all.
Ministers must think again - or risk having another fiasco like the outcry over forests on their hands.
Current Government planning proposals will create a building free-for-all that would severely threaten our countryside and do little to protect the UK from climate change.
Craig Bennett, Friends of the Earth's Policy and Campaigns Director
If we're to build the low-carbon future the Government has promised, it's essential that we develop the UK's huge green energy potential and build more fuel-efficient and affordable homes.
Friends of the Earth is not anti-development, but the Government's reforms will not deliver the outcomes we really need - such as:
- Affordable green homes
The Tories scrapped cheap housing targets. - Green jobs and industries
The Government needs to define sustainable development. - Environmental protection
There is no guidance to respect environmental limits.
Friends of the Earth is asking for:
-
A legal definition of sustainable development.
This needs to be enshrined in law through the current Localism Bill -
Detailed guidance for local councils.
Councils need to understand sustainable development to create green jobs, build affordable homes and protect the environment.
Action
Please write to your MP to help stop the planning free-for-all.
