Press release

Give people a voice in Localism Bill planning proposals

17 January 2011

Major changes to the Localism Bill are needed to allow people have a meaningful voice in new Government planning proposals and to ensure the new system tackles climate change, says Friends of the Earth.

The Bill will be debated by MPs in Parliament for the first time later today.

The Government's Localism Bill aims to reform the local planning system, but the environmental campaigning charity says that current proposals severely limit the opportunity for community participation in the new decision-making process - and that the new system is likely to be too costly for all but a few.

Friends of the Earth also says more must be done to ensure the proposed new neighbourhood planning system plays its part in tackling the expected impacts of climate change and cutting the emissions that cause it.

Measures to tackle climate change will also create new jobs and industries.

Friends of the Earth's Planning Campaigner Naomi Luhde-Thompson said:

"We are concerned that local people will be railroaded by planning decisions under this new law - and that it won't protect them from the worst effects of climate change.

"Major changes are needed to the Localism Bill to ensure that neighbourhood planning plays its part in tackling climate change and creating a sustainable future.

"Planning reform is essential - but these proposals will not deliver the greener, fairer planning system we so urgently require."

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. The Localism Bill aims to reform the local planning system by establishing community-based Neighbourhood Plans, which will ultimately be adopted by the local authority as part of the Local Development Plan.
2. Friends of the Earth is supportive of the concept of neighbourhood planning, but says that major changes are needed to ensure meaningful involvement for local people in decisions affecting them and their area. The green campaign group is calling for amendments to the Bill including:
3. Ensuring that the planning system plays its part in tackling climate change and delivering a greener future. The environmental campaign charity says as well as mitigation and adaptation measures on climate change, neighbourhood plans must also include broader sustainable development goals. The Bill must uphold the definition in the UK Sustainable Development Strategy: "to enable all people.to satisfy their basic needs and enjoy a better quality of life, without compromising the quality of life of future generations." 
4. Creating a fairer planning system. The environmental campaign charity is calling for a system which allows people to be involved in neighbourhood planning, including a right to be heard in person (and not just consultation) when plans are being drawn up. The system must also include adequate funding to prevent communities from being excluded on financial grounds, with examination of the plans carried out by the Planning Inspectorate.

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