Westminster Conservatives are delighted that the current Labour council has finally publicly agreed with the Conservative councillors’ position on Angela Rayner’s proposed planning reforms. This Labour Government has proposed completely removing local councillors from the decision-making process on almost all applications. Westminster Conservatives pointed out that this is undemocratic and could undermine public trust in planning decisions back in March of this year. Unfortunately, under the current administration, Westminster Council chose not to respond in any way to the first Government consultation, which closed in February, despite being the largest urban planning authority in the country.
Local Pimlico Councillor and Planning Lead Jim Glen explains
We understand the Government's desire to get building, but do not think that removing local oversight of proposed development is the way to do it. This is especially true in the dense urban environment of central London. Not all development is necessarily good development, and proper oversight through democratically elected councillors is vital.
We are glad that the current administration has finally come out and agreed with us, but we are worried that it is too little, too late.
As a leading planning authority, Westminster Council should have had a say in shaping planning policy from the outset, not belatedly crying foul when the policy is already on its way to the statute books.
