RTPI and the Civic Voice have suggested an amendment to the Localism Bill to ensure a neighbourhood planning forum cannot focus solely on just one aspect – promoting business in an area.
The amendment has the support of Baroness Whittaker.
Civic Voice Director Tony Burton, said: ‘Business has an important role in planning the future but it should never be at the expense of the community’s quality of life or the health of the environment. The Localism Bill needs to change if it is to live up to its ambitions of a power shift which will put communities in control.’
Trudi Elliott, RTPI Chief Executive, said: ‘We hope ministers will think again and respond positively so that local people genuinely feel able to influence the places where they live and work and do not find that their neighbourhood plan is being driven solely by the needs of businesses.’
Civic Voice and the RTPI have called on peers to support the Whittaker amendment so that the original broad purpose for neighbourhood forums is reintroduced into the Bill.
Both Civic Voice and the RTPI, who are strong supporters of neighbourhood planning, are concerned that a late Government amendment to Schedule 9 of the Localism Bill in the House of Commons will, if unaltered, have a serious effect what was intended to be a comprehensive approach to effective and proper planning and, in particular, the nature of neighbourhood plans. The purpose of planning, as consistently emphasised in Government guidance and statements, is to address the economic, social and environmental aspects of sustainable development. This clause, as amended, runs entirely counter to that by encouraging a type of planning which focuses solely on just one aspect – promoting business.
RTPI Article: LINK
