Covid-19: Planning System Debate

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Department: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Lord Randall of Uxbridge

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Royal Assent

Covid-19: Planning System

Lord Randall of Uxbridge Excerpts

Covid-19: Walking and Cycling
Monday 8th June 2020

(4 years, 6 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Greenhalgh Portrait Lord Greenhalgh
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I am not sure how this relates to the original Question. All the proposals from the Government around making the existing planning system work pragmatically are on a temporary basis. There is certainly no intention to take away planning powers from local authorities within these measures.

Lord Randall of Uxbridge Portrait Lord Randall of Uxbridge (Con) [V]
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Can the Minister confirm that any temporary changes to the planning system will not result in any loosening of environmental policies?

Lord Greenhalgh Portrait Lord Greenhalgh
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I can absolutely make that guarantee. Our temporary changes to the planning system, including the use of virtual planning committees and more flexible publicity arrangements, are all about enabling planning decisions to continue to be able to be made, consistent with social distancing rules. There is absolutely no loosening of environmental standards or protection.

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