Government warned about further civil unrest if community views are ignored over 3rd Runway plan

Speaking in a debate in Parliament on Monday (10th December) this week, John McDonnell MP attacked the Government’s proposals to reform the planning process, which would enable major infrastructure projects to be developed without adequate procedures for enabling either local people or Parliament to have a say.

The Planning Bill currently before Parliament introduces a new process for dealing with major infrastructure projects such as airport expansions and the construction of new nuclear power stations. The Bill establishes a new Infrastructure Planning Commission, comprising experts appointed directly by the Government. It also curtails the opportunity for local people to voice their opinions effectively in planning enquiries.

Local MP John McDonnell said “I believe that this new planning process will allow the Government and major private developers to ride roughshod over the views of local people faced with the devastation of their communities by new runways, roads and nuclear power stations. Even Parliament will not have a decisive role in determining the long term planning policies which will have a direct influence on major infrastructure projects like the third runway.

“In the debate in parliament this week, I warned the Government that if it undermines confidence and trust in the fairness of the planning process the result will be more demonstrations with the risk of civil unrest. I am urging the Government to think again”.

John’s full statement in the debate regarding the Planning Bill can be accessed at http://snipurl.com/1v5gg

submitted by John on 12 Dec 2007 at 11:23