New government confirms planning law reforms
CHANGES to planning laws which will see more power put into the hands of local councils and people will come into force, it was announced today.
The new Tory-Lib Dem coalition revealed its ‘Big Society’ document which will put into place various public sector reforms, sticking to the parties’ pre-election manifesto pledges.
The policies, which will be included in next week’s Queen’s Speech, would give communities a greater say over their local planning system and enable third party right of appeal.
Regional spatial strategies would go and decision making would be returned to local councils.
TheBusinessDesk.com reported yesterday that it was thought property developers could be rushing through applications before any new legislation comes into force.
Other changes outlined in ‘Big Society include giving communities a greater say over saving local service such as post offices, encouraging volunteering and involvement in social action and supporting mutuals and co-operatives.
In making the announcement, Prime Minister David Cameron said: “During the election campaign I extended an invitation to everyone in this country to join the government of Britain.
“I said that the idea of the Big Society would be marching through the corridors of power – and it’s happening right now.
“Today is the start of a deep and serious reform agenda to take power away from politicians and give it to people. We know that the best ideas come from the ground up, not the top down.”
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg added: “We need radical change that puts power back in the hands of people. Only by bringing down vested interests and giving people real control over their lives will we build a Britain that is fair.”
