Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 23
23
Paragraph: 101
Not enough is done to involve local people in decision making at an early stage.
Conclusion
Not enough is done to involve local people in decision making at an early stage. The Committee heard that decisions are made about a project before consultation happens, and that late consultation can be insufficient to overcome local opposition. This can result in delays to projects, but it can also lead to infrastructure which does not have full public support or serve local needs.
Paragraph Reference:
101
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
As mentioned in our response to recommendation 7, early and transparent community engagement is a legal requirement and through Planning for the Future we are changing the culture and engagement of citizens with the planning system. In terms of large scale development, such as nationally significant infrastructure projects (relating to energy, transport, water, or waste) there is a separate application process for consent. This was introduced in the Planning Act 2008 to streamline the decision-making process for major infrastructure projects, making it fairer and faster for communities and applicants. The process includes a structure for local engagement, including procedures for the pre-application process and consultation. This involves significant local community engagement and consultation. Applicants for major infrastructure projects are required to engage and consult with local communities, local authorities and others from the outset, with local authorities having a role in assessing the adequacy of that consultation. An application for development consent will only be accepted for further examination where there is clear evidence that consultation has been adequate. nature of the project and where its impacts will be experienced.