Councillors call for planning decisions to be kept local

Councillors are being asked for their views on the Government’s proposals for a central Infrastructure Planning Committee (IPC), that would take away current local planning powers to decide on large infrastructure projects in their area such as new runways, railways, roads or power stations.

Surrey County Councillor for Redhill and Cabinet Member for the Environment Dr Lynne Hack has called for planning decisions to remain at a local level rather than being made by “unelected and distant” national bodies.

Dr Hack said local authorities are in the best position to make decisions affecting their communities rather than quangos. She made the call as she commented on draft government plans for big energy and infrastructure projects to be taken forward by the Infrastructure Planning Committee (IPC).

The IPC came under fire last month because it was costing taxpayers £1 million a month, despite not being able to do the job for which it was created because the government had not defined its legal guidelines.

Dr Hack said:

“It is right that there is a need for thinking on a national scale when it comes to big projects affecting the country but local councils must have the lead role for sustainable economic growth.

“Distant and unelected organisations that are not answerable to residents should not be making decisions about planning issues that have such an impact on people’s lives. They place an unnecessary, time consuming and bureaucratic burden on the taxpayer.

“We are best placed to develop local initiatives tailored to the needs of our residents and businesses. This is only logical given we are responsible for local strategy on issues as diverse as education, transport and community safety. Local councillors live and work alongside residents and are best placed to know how any development will impact people’s lives.”

The IPC was set up to deal with planning applications for major national infrastructure and energy projects such as nuclear power stations, high power transmission lines and renewable energy projects.