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The Perils of Planning

Series looking at politics beyond and outside the Westminster parliament. John Kampfner examines what the Coalition's new planning regulations mean for 'localism'.

This week's Beyond Westminster looks at one of the most controversial elements of local politics: planning. Planning decisions for new developments are usually fraught and most people agree there needs to be change.

In the latest budget, the Chancellor, George Osborne announced he wants to see a 'presumption in favour of a yes to sustainable development in future planning decisions'. At the same time, the government has introduced a localism bill which will empower local communities to have more say in planning decisions. Can the two approaches work together?

John Kampfner visit the Copmanthorpe Wind Action Group, battling against wind turbines and Paul Vickers reports from Merseyside where a controversial new development, the Mann Island project has polarised opinion.

Producer: Paul Vickers.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Sat 30 Apr 2011 11:00

Broadcast

  • Sat 30 Apr 2011 11:00