Tony Arbour AM, London Assembly Conservative spokesman on Planning and Spatial Development has blasted the proposals outlined in the Barker Report – a study into the planning system across the country. He said, "Local people must have a decisive voice in how their community changes, however, this will silence them."

The report proposes setting up a new independent commission to decide whether to give consent to major planning applications which could include new roads and rail schemes, new nuclear power stations, airport expansions, as well as big housing developments.

The commission would have to take into consideration the wider national interest of developments, such as the effect on employment and the economy, rather than just local interests. Planning rules would be eased to allow small-scale schemes, including solar panels and wind turbines, without having to apply for detailed planning consent. The proposed shake-up is understood to cover home improvements which do not affect the footprint of the house - such as loft conversions.

Tony Arbour said, "Objectors and residents who are already shortchanged by the planning system will be further disadvantaged by the Kate Barker proposals which will be seen as a Developers' charter. At present only applicants have the right of appeal if they do not receive planning consent, but under these proposals the few rights that objectors have, will be further reduced."

"To say that small developments can be rubberstamped ignores the large effects that such changes can have on those who live nearby. For large schemes objectors currently can make representations to a democratically elected planning committee, but in future even this right will be denied. In London the Mayor wants to take over the right to make such decisions and the suggested Planning Commission quango will do the same."

December 7, 2006