Source · Select Committees · Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee

Recommendation 12

12 Paragraph: 78

It is disappointing that local councillors were not mentioned in the White Paper.

Recommendation
It is disappointing that local councillors were not mentioned in the White Paper. They have a key role to play in both Local Plans and individual planning applications We recommend that the Government set out how the valuable role of local councillors will be maintained in the planning system.
Paragraph Reference: 78
Government Response Acknowledged
HM Government Acknowledged
29. The Government recognises the critical role that local councillors and leaders play in meeting communities’ needs. Local Authorities and democratically elected councillors will maintain democratic control and provide transparency, while also upholding the integrity of planning decisions. 30. Local authorities – elected councillors – will approve plans, and will continue to make decisions on planning applications, balancing the interests of the community with the rights of the landowner, drawing on advice from local Government planning officers as required.