Planning amendments are ‘extraordinary capitulation’ to big developers

Charity criticises last-minute amendments to Planning and Infrastructure Bill which will strip Sussex communities of their voice.

CPRE Sussex has criticised last minute changes to the Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

The charity said the amendments represented a ‘dangerous erosion’ of democracy, removing vital safeguards and giving ministers the power to override local council decisions.

Last-minute amendments to the bill include stopping councils from refusing planning permission while ministers consider using ‘call-in’ powers.

Judges would also be blocked from halting approvals while legal challenges proceed.

Read full press release below.