Planning law ‘must safeguard environment’

Posted 22/09/2011

Planning law recommendations have been made by Friends of the Earth, which has called on the coalition government to implement measures that will protect the environment.

The organisation’s executive director Andy Atkins stated that it is encouraging prime minister David Cameron has stepped in and got involved with the reform of the current system.

He explained how there is a need to ensure there are fundamental changes that help to protect the UK’s countryside.

“A legal definition of sustainable development is crucial – without it councils will struggle to prevent damaging building projects going ahead,” said Mr Atkins.

He added that the new planning law reform needs to encourage the development of green industries.

Head of retail at the developer Hammerson Robin Dobson recently warned in comments made at a panel debate titled Planning for Localism that was held at Leeds Metropolitan University that changes could lead to a two-tier system, the Yorkshire Post reported.