Government planning proposals must not ignore local concerns  

The government must not use an unelected quango to ignore local concerns and force through controversial planning schemes such as Heathrow expansion, London Councils has warned.

London Councils has called on MPs to reject proposals contained within the Planning Bill for a new infrastructure planning commission (IPC) at the Bill's third reading, due to take place tomorrow (Wednesday).

It fears it would mean that unelected bureaucrats have the final say on the country's most controversial planning proposals - with local residents having no power to hold them to account.

This is of particular concern in the capital where the government appears set on pressing ahead with plans to expand Heathrow, despite widespread opposition.

London's local authorities are worried that the government will use the IPC to force through Heathrow expansion, with public concerns ignored.

London Councils believes that the decision on Heathrow and similar projects should always be taken by an elected politician, such as the Secretary of State, so that communities can hold them to account.

Chairman of London Councils' Transport and Environment Committee, Councillor Daniel Moylan said:

"The government's proposal that a group of shadowy, unelected bureaucrats should decide on the most controversial projects facing our communities is frankly ghastly.

"Removing elected politicians from the planning process removes any recourse local people have to ensure their voices are heard when the big decisions are being made. This is a shameful idea, and one that should be scrapped immediately."

Notes to editors

The third reading of the Planning Bill is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 25 June.

For details of the briefing sent to MPs outlining London Councils' concerns about the Bill and Heathrow expansion, please contact the press office.

London Councils is not against airport expansion if absolutely necessary but is opposed to current plans to expand Heathrow.

For more information, please see London Councils press release Heathrow expansion is plane crazy says London Councils