MPs poised to rebel over planning reforms

A sizeable number of backbench Tory MPs are set to vote against the Growth And Infrastructure Bill when it comes back before the House of Commons later this afternoon.

The issue has provoked enormous controversy in rural and suburban areas, amid concerns about the impact on neighbouring properties.

A Lords amendment would give councils the chance to opt out of the measure.

The Bill also contains measure to make it easier for telecommunications firms to construct overhead cables in national parks, to aid the roll-out of broadband
internet connections in rural areas.

Senior officials from the Campaign to Protect Rural England action group have claimed that the proposed legislation is a “below the radar attack” on the nation’s “precious environment and countryside”.

However, the Department for Communities and Local Government has maintained the Bill will help Britain compete on a global stage by setting out a comprehensive series of reforms to reduce bureaucracy that “delays and discourages business investment, new infrastructure and job creation”.

The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles, has claimed the “common sense reforms” will support local jobs and local firms by streamlining the planning system.

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