Headlines, PublicNet: 23 July, 2006

MPs will be alerted today to fears that deregulation of the planning system could mean large schemes being pushed through without the consent of local communities. At a special briefing they will be urged to protect the rights of individuals in the planning process.The briefing at the House of Commons will be hosted by Paul Truswell, the MP for Pudsey, and Friends of the Earth. It has been timed to take place ahead of the interim publication of a Treasury report into the impact of the planning system on businesses and the economy. A briefing paper, “The Community Voice in Planning: Does it count?”, sets out the case for involving members of the public in the planning process, with the launch of a new report, “Listen Up: Community Involvement in the Planning System”, which offers evidence from communities that have played an important role in influencing decisions.

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