Government launches planning white paper

The government plans to set up an independent planning commission to look at national projects, according to its planning white paper – published on Monday.

The independent planning commission will consist of planning experts, lawyers, environmentalist groups and community organisations.

Launching the planning white paper, communities secretary Ruth Kelly said: "If we are to thrive we need a better planning system. If we do not the risks are significant – energy shortages, mounting congestion and increasing pollution.

"We need a planning system that is quicker but which locks in community consultation at every stage of the process."

The white paper included measures to support town centre regeneration and brownfield development.

However, Royal Institute of British Architects president Jack Pringle criticised the white paper. He said: "Good design and environmental sustainability need to be at the heart of a humane planning system, but on design grounds the white paper has failed to deliver.

"It just means poor decisions can be made a little more quickly."

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