New legislation for planning reforms

A new Bill that will make the planning system quicker, more transparent and easier for the public to become involved in was published on Tuesday by Communities Secretary Hazel Blears. The Planning Bill will reform the planning system for major infrastructure projects which is increasingly struggling to deal with the challenges of the 21st century - climate change, protecting the environment and the need for new homes. The Bill will establish a better system for dealing with those decisions with opportunities for public participation locked into each stage of the process. It will also strengthen accountability and ensure decision-making is transparent and fair with sustainable development at its heart.