Third Reading of the Planning Bill

The Planning Bill went to Report Stage on the 2nd June 2008, when amendments to the Bill began to be debated in Parliament by MPs.

Friends of the Earth sponsored two amendments to the Bill that asked for major new developments to consider climate change.

Despite a strong Labour back bench rebellion, these amendments were defeated by 15 votes.

The debate will continue on Monday the 23rd of June. There is still time to lobby MPs to support the amendment for a meaningful right to be heard to be included in the Bill.

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

• Third Reading 
  MPs will debate further amendments, and vote on whether to accept or reject the Bill
• House of Lords
  The Bill goes to the Lords and they discuss changes in Committee 
• Final Reading

Amendments are debated and then voted upon, so it is very important that your MP is aware of your concerns about the Bill. Your MP is able to vote against the Planning Bill on the 9th of June.

Amendments to the Bill 

We have sent MPs a coalition briefing asking them to support amendments for a proper right to be heard for communities - please send this to your MP again.

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

We also have a Question and Answer on the Planning Bill if you want to know more, or send this to your MP.

Press for change

There is still time for you to ask your MP to support this crucial amendments that will get the right to be heard included in the Planning Bill.

Your MP could be influential in this debate - make sure they know it is important that they take this democracy and your rights.

Press for change >

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