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MPs urged to back planning change Ministers defeat planning rebels
(19 minutes later)
Big projects which could boost the economy and Britain's energy security are being "clogged up" in "antiquated" planning processes, Hazel Blears said. The government has defeated a bid by Labour rebels to force ministers to have the final say on major planning decisions by an independent commission.
The communities secretary told MPs it was time to bring the planning system into the 21st century. The attempt, by Labour's John Grogan, to amend the controversial Planning Bill was defeated by 303 votes to 260.
But some Labour MPs are concerned that an independent commission within the Planning Bill will make decisions instead of a minister. The Selby MP argued that it was undemocratic to not involve ministers in decisions on projects such as nuclear power stations and airports.
Ms Blears said: "We do think it will mean decisions are made more quickly." But minister Hazel Blears said the move would speed up the planning process.
Outlining her case, she said currently decisions on major projects like nuclear power stations and airports are examined by planning inspectors, are often subject to inquiry and are decided on by ministers.
Our current system takes too long, it's immensely costly - it's almost impenetrable in very many cases to members of the public Hazel BlearsCommunities SecretaryOur current system takes too long, it's immensely costly - it's almost impenetrable in very many cases to members of the public Hazel BlearsCommunities Secretary
She said it was "unacceptable" that the upgrade of the North Yorkshire power grid had taken just over six years to get through planning, while some wind farm applications had taken, on average, two years. The communities secretary argued that big projects which could boost the economy and Britain's energy security were being "clogged up" in "antiquated" planning processes.
It was "unacceptable" that major projects like the upgrade of the North Yorkshire power grid had taken just over six years to get through planning, while some wind farm applications had taken, on average, two years, she said.
"Our current system takes too long. It's immensely costly. It's almost impenetrable in very many cases to members of the public. There's a lack of transparency and a lack of clarity," she said."Our current system takes too long. It's immensely costly. It's almost impenetrable in very many cases to members of the public. There's a lack of transparency and a lack of clarity," she said.
"The system isn't working, needs to be brought up to date and made fit for the modern world we are living in.""The system isn't working, needs to be brought up to date and made fit for the modern world we are living in."
Labour rebels have described the Planning Bill as "undemocratic" and are concerned about the powers of the independent commission. In a bid to win over rebels, she said there would be a review of the commission after two years, with ministers intervening if there were problems.
But Ms Blears said she hoped a series of concessions, including a pledge for a review of the commission after two years, with ministers intervening if there are problems, would win them over. Greater oversight
Public voice The government would have to pre-approve specific sites for new nuclear power stations and airports before the planning commission could grant permission for construction in England and Wales.
The other major concession will mean that for new nuclear power stations and airports, the government will have to pre-approve specific sites before the planning commission can grant permission for construction in England and Wales. And she said the public would have at least three opportunities to get involved in the process, through consultation before an application is examined and in being able to make representations during a public inquiry.
And she said the public will have at least three opportunities to get involved in the process, through consultation before an application is examined and in being able to make representations during a public inquiry.
The rebels have also secured a promise of greater oversight by Commons select committees of the work of the Infrastructure Planning Commission.
It is by far the clearest thing if the minister makes the final decision, so everyone knows where they stand John GroganLabour MP Analysis: The Planning Bill battleIt is by far the clearest thing if the minister makes the final decision, so everyone knows where they stand John GroganLabour MP Analysis: The Planning Bill battle
The rebels have also secured a promise of greater oversight by Commons select committees of the work of the Infrastructure Planning Commission.
And the IPC will have to take account of a report by the local authority before a decision on a particular project is taken.And the IPC will have to take account of a report by the local authority before a decision on a particular project is taken.
There will also be new rights for those individuals affected by compulsory purchase orders.There will also be new rights for those individuals affected by compulsory purchase orders.
Earlier, Labour MP John Grogan said the concessions did not go far enough and could complicate matters. But some Labour MPs, led by Mr Grogan, were concerned that an independent Infrastructure Planning Commission within the bill would make decisions instead of a minister.
He has put down his own amendment to the bill which would require ministers to take the final decision within six months of planning approval being given by the IPC. He called for ministers to take the final decision within six months of planning approval being given by the IPC.
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"It is by far the clearest thing if the minister makes the final decision, so everyone knows where they stand," he said."It is by far the clearest thing if the minister makes the final decision, so everyone knows where they stand," he said.
There have been reports that as many as 60 Labour MPs were ready to rebel over the bill. If all opposition parties vote against, it would take about 34 Labour MPs to rebel to defeat the plan.
For the Conservatives, Eric Pickles said the bill would "abolish any pretence of democratic accountability".For the Conservatives, Eric Pickles said the bill would "abolish any pretence of democratic accountability".
"The voice of local residents, pressure groups and elected councillors will be silenced," he said."The voice of local residents, pressure groups and elected councillors will be silenced," he said.