This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk_politics/7470846.stm

The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Rebels to challenge planning bill MPs urged to back planning change
(about 6 hours later)
MPs will vote later on controversial proposals to speed up the planning process for big projects like airports and nuclear power stations. Big projects which could boost the economy and Britain's energy security are being "clogged up" in "antiquated" planning processes, Hazel Blears said.
Ministers tried to head off a Labour backbench rebellion over the idea that an independent commission will make decisions instead of a minister. The communities secretary told MPs it was time to bring the planning system into the 21st century.
Critics say it is "undemocratic", but Planning Minister John Healey says the government is listening to the worries. But some Labour MPs are concerned that an independent commission within the Planning Bill will make decisions instead of a minister.
He says the commission will be reviewed after two years to see if it's working. Ms Blears said: "We do think it will mean decisions are made more quickly."
Labour rebel Clive Betts welcomed the move, although others still oppose the plans. Outlining her case, she said currently decisions on major projects like nuclear power stations and airports are examined by planning inspectors, are often subject to inquiry and are decided on by ministers.
Compulsory purchase Our current system takes too long, it's immensely costly - it's almost impenetrable in very many cases to members of the public Hazel BlearsCommunities Secretary
She said it was "unacceptable" that the upgrade of the North Yorkshire power grid had taken just over six years to get through planning, while some wind farm applications had taken, on average, two years.
"Our current system takes too long. It's immensely costly. It's almost impenetrable in very many cases to members of the public. There's a lack of transparency and a lack of clarity," she said.
"The system isn't working, needs to be brought up to date and made fit for the modern world we are living in."
Labour rebels have described the Planning Bill as "undemocratic" and are concerned about the powers of the independent commission.
But Ms Blears said she hoped a series of concessions, including a pledge for a review of the commission after two years, with ministers intervening if there are problems, would win them over.
Public voice
The other major concession will mean that for new nuclear power stations and airports, the government will have to pre-approve specific sites before the planning commission can grant permission for construction in England and Wales.The other major concession will mean that for new nuclear power stations and airports, the government will have to pre-approve specific sites before the planning commission can grant permission for construction in England and Wales.
And she said the public will have at least three opportunities to get involved in the process, through consultation before an application is examined and in being able to make representations during a public inquiry.
The rebels have also secured a promise of greater oversight by Commons select committees of the work of the Infrastructure Planning Commission.The rebels have also secured a promise of greater oversight by Commons select committees of the work of the Infrastructure Planning Commission.
It is by far the clearest thing if the minister makes the final decision, so everyone knows where they stand John GroganLabour MP Analysis: The Planning Bill battleIt is by far the clearest thing if the minister makes the final decision, so everyone knows where they stand John GroganLabour MP Analysis: The Planning Bill battle
And the IPC will have to take account of a report by the local authority before a decision on a particular project is taken.And the IPC will have to take account of a report by the local authority before a decision on a particular project is taken.
There will also be new rights for those individuals affected by compulsory purchase orders.There will also be new rights for those individuals affected by compulsory purchase orders.
One of the leading rebels Mr Betts, who met Gordon Brown on Monday, has indicated he will not now push his amendment on the IPC to a vote in the Commons on Wednesday. Earlier, Labour MP John Grogan said the concessions did not go far enough and could complicate matters.
He said ministers would get involved if there were issues of national security or a "policy statement" was out of date.
"But I think out of experience it could be that other circumstances arise where we will want ministerial involvement," he said.
Rebel appeal
But Labour MP John Grogan says the concessions do not go far enough and could complicate matters.
He has put down his own amendment to the bill which would require ministers to take the final decision within six months of planning approval being given by the IPC.He has put down his own amendment to the bill which would require ministers to take the final decision within six months of planning approval being given by the IPC.
FROM THE TODAY PROGRAMME More from Today programmeFROM THE TODAY PROGRAMME More from Today programme
"It is by far the clearest thing if the minister makes the final decision, so everyone knows where they stand," he said."It is by far the clearest thing if the minister makes the final decision, so everyone knows where they stand," he said.
There have been reports that as many as 60 Labour MPs were ready to rebel over the bill. If all opposition parties vote against, it would take about 34 Labour MPs to rebel to defeat the plan.There have been reports that as many as 60 Labour MPs were ready to rebel over the bill. If all opposition parties vote against, it would take about 34 Labour MPs to rebel to defeat the plan.
Dr Mark Avery, the RSPB's director of conservation, urged the rebels to keep up the fight.
"One of the big flaws in the Planning Bill is that the democratic process is going to be by-passed for the very biggest decisions so large planning applications, like for airports, by-passes, won't be dealt with by ministers," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.
But Mr Healey said this was wrong. "The bill infact gives a bigger job for ministers and Parliament to do, but at the front end.
"So for the first time the need for big things like, nuclear power stations or airport extensions, will be debated and discussed by government and Parliament and not left to inquiries," he told Today.
'Silenced'
"That means the commission will only make decisions within that framework and only do so in a way that gives the public a greater chance to have a say and local communities and councils who are most effected, a stronger chance to influence decisions."
For the Conservatives, Eric Pickles said the bill would "abolish any pretence of democratic accountability".For the Conservatives, Eric Pickles said the bill would "abolish any pretence of democratic accountability".
"The voice of local residents, pressure groups and elected councillors will be silenced," he said."The voice of local residents, pressure groups and elected councillors will be silenced," he said.
But a spokesman for the Department of Communities and Local Government said the current planning system was "fundamentally broken".
"This bill will change the system for the better by making it fairer and more transparent," he said.