Labour MP defends new planning rules against Conservative criticism

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 11 Oct, 02:18 · Archive

Conservative councillors are calling for a U-turn on new planning regulations that will reduce their say in applications.

New planning regulations coming into force at the end of October will remove councillors' right to 'call in' planning applications for committee decisions. Conservative councillors, including Belle Vale's Simon Phipps, have written to the Prime Minister calling for the policy to be scrapped, arguing it will leave local representatives powerless to challenge unacceptable applications. Cllr Phipps said the changes mean more decisions will be made by unelected officers rather than elected councillors, and described them as part of a 'developers' charter'.

Labour MP Alex Ballinger defended the National Scheme of Delegation as introducing 'a consistent, national framework for planning decisions'. Under the new rules, council officers will handle applications by default, with only the biggest proposed developments, plans submitted by councils themselves, and applications meeting strict criteria elevated to planning committees. Mr Ballinger said he was happy to discuss the concerns raised by councillors about the changes.

How it is being reported

• Dudley Labour MP hits back at complaints about new planning rulesConservative councillors want a U-turn but MP defends changes.Express & Star · 11 Oct, 02:00
• Labour MP hits back at Halesowen councillor's complaints about new planning rulesNew planning regulations will smooth the system says MP after Conservative complaints and call for a U-turnBirminghamLive · 9 Oct, 13:29

In this story: Alex Ballinger · Simon Phipps · Halesowen · Belle Vale · Labour · Conservative

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