MP lobbying for views to be heard (From Keighley News)
Get involved: send your pictures, video, news and views by texting KNEWS to 80360, or email
MP lobbying for views to be heard
5:02pm Thursday 3rd January 2013 in News
South Craven MP Julian Smith says it is essential local people’s views are heard in the planning process.
He said many of his constituents were frustrated at councils’ decisions being reversed on appeal.
Mr Smith has met the chief executive of the Planning Inspectorate, Sir Michael Pitt, and Communities and Local Govern-ment Secretary, Eric Pickles, to discuss the issue. He said both had emphasised the need for councils to maintain up-to-date local plans.
Mr Smith added: “While agreeing councils do all they can to ensure their plans are as up-to-date as possible, I made the case it is important local communities do not feel the views of their democratically-elected local representatives are ignored in the planning process.
“I will be continuing to make this case with both the Department for Commun-ities and Local Government and the Planning Inspectorate.”
