Archived press release

Planning changes bad for the environment and democracy

20 July 2001

Government plans, announced today, to speed up the planning process for large infrastructure projects are “bad for democracy and bad for the environment” says Friends of the Earth.

Under the new proposals, public inquiries would no longer be held into whether major controversial projects such as nuclear power stations, roads and airports should proceed. Instead ministers would give initial approval in principle for a project, with Parliament making the final decision. Public inquiries would only deal with local details, and not discuss the merits of the scheme.

Dr Hugh Ellis, Friends of the Earth's Planning Adviser said:

“These plans to speed up the planning proccess are bad for democracy and bad for the environment. The Government should address the inadequacies and inherent bias of the current planning system. Making it less democratic and accountable will only increase people's frustrations and lead to bigger protests against large developments. Where is the much-needed third right of appeal? Today's announcement is a dreadful missed opportunity to improve the system for all.”

Friends of the Earth is also concerned by remarks made by Mr Byers concerning the proposed changes.Referring to new airports, runways and roads, he says that “these big projects are essential for our economic future...”

Dr Ellis continued

“Mr Byers is pre-judging the value of big projects based solely on their economic merits. Given the Government's huge majority in Parliament these controversial views are bound to be bulldozed through, regardless of their social and environmental impacts. Indeed one of the scheme's Mr Byers mentions as having been subject to lengthy consultation, the East London River Crossing,would almost certainly have gone ahead under his new system. As it was the scheme was abandoned after enormous public opposition highlighted the enormous damage the road would cause.”

Controversial projects which may be “speeded up” include:

• a proposal to build a new international airport at Finningley (Doncaster);
• a new runway in the south east;
• a major sea port at Dibden Bay (on the edge of the New Forest);
• possible proposals to build new nuclear reactors;
• various controversial road schemes.

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust