Civic Voice has responded to the Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill, acknowledging the need for a faster and more effective planning system but expressing concerns about the Bill’s vagueness, the extensive powers given to the Secretary of State, and the lack of recognition of the implications for local communities and public engagement.
An executive summary and full response from Civic Voice is available to download here. The response was considered and developed by Civic Voice’s new Expert Panel. It is hoped that Civic Voice member organisations find the document useful in planning their own local responses to the proposals and engaging with elected representatives.
Key recommendations include:
- Preparation of a national spatial strategy and the establishment of a national advisory and consultative body with local group representation
- Objection to the removal of heritage protection for transport investment projects
- Introduction of a statutory requirement for a qualified Chief Planning Officer and professional staff in every planning authority
- A government strategy for professional staffing and planning skills
- Strengthening of community engagement provisions, including the establishment of local consultative bodies
- The widespread use of Strategic Planning Boards with membership from outside local government
- Promotion of community involvement in environmental delivery plans
- Support for compulsory purchase proposals, but with concerns about local authority resource constraints