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New Government guidance attacked
7 September 2004
Friends of the Earth has hit out at two major pieces of Government planning guidance, published today, that will give new legal powers to unaccountable regional planning bodies.
The new regional planning systems sets out strategic policy on issues such as roads and business planning zones, which all local plans must conform to. But unlike county structure plans, which were recently abolished, regional planning bodies are not directly democratically accountable. Despite the power of new regional plans, the public have no right to be heard when they are prepared. Instead it is by an invitation only inquiry. With massive new developments planned for the south east many people see regional plans as remote, and serving the interest of central government rather than local communities.
Friends of the Earth's planning advisor, Hugh Ellis said
"Allowing regional planning bodies to draw up strategic policy on issues such as roads and business plans without giving members of the public the right to raise concerns will further undermine confidence in the whole planning system. The Government says it wants to encourage people to participate in regional plans, but only a legally enforceable right to be heard will guarantee that the voice of local communities will be not be ignored in the rush for major new developments"
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jun 2008
