North Yorkshire councillors warn planning changes weaken local voices

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 16:03 · Archive

New rules coming into force on October 31 will see more planning applications decided by unelected council officers rather than elected members in North Yorkshire.

Councillors in North Yorkshire have warned that government changes to the planning system will leave local communities with less say over new developments. The concerns have been raised ahead of the introduction of new national rules which will see more planning applications decided by unelected council officers rather than elected members.

The changes, which come into force on October 31, will restrict which applications can be considered by North Yorkshire Council's planning committees. Under the government's National Scheme of Delegation, certain categories of planning applications will have to be determined by officers, with councillors no longer able to demand that they are considered by a committee. Other applications will only be referred to a committee in exceptional circumstances, where both a nominated councillor and senior planning officer agree that they meet strict criteria.

North Yorkshire Council's deputy leader Cllr Mark Crane has criticised the move, warning that it represents a reduction in democratic accountability. He said the changes reflect a growing emphasis from successive governments on decisions being made by officers rather than elected members, questioning whether there was any justification for the changes in North Yorkshire. He argued that 'elected members should have the opportunity to make more decisions, not fewer'.

How it is being reported

• North Yorkshire councillors warn planning changes will weaken local voicesCouncillors in North Yorkshire have warned that government changes to the planning system will leave local communities with less say over new developments.Darlington & Stockton Times · 22 Oct, 15:30
• North Yorkshire councillors warn planning changes will weaken local voicesCouncillors in North Yorkshire have warned that government changes to the planning system will leave local communities with less say over new developments.The Northern Echo · 22 Oct, 15:30

In this story: North Yorkshire Council · Mark Crane · North Yorkshire

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