The governments reforms of the planning system face further delays and dilution.
The reforms, hailed as the biggest shake-up of planning for 50 years, are unlikely to be included as a full bill in the Queens Speech on Wednesday, which will set the legislative agenda for the next year.
According to Westminster sources, the Planning Bill may be dropped in favour of the Homes Bill, which will introduce sellers packs. Recent briefings from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Treasury have indicated that the Homes Bill is now a far higher priority.
It is understood that the political impetus behind the reforms was lost when Lord Falconer left as planning minister.
The proposals have faced opposition from local government, the property industry and conservationists.
If it is not dropped entirely, the Planning Bill is now likely to be introduced only in draft form.
Although this would keep planning on the political agenda it would also delay any changes by at least a year and that bill will be further watered down.
The most radical elements of the planning green paper, such as parliament deciding on major infrastructure projects, have already been dropped.
EGi News 11/11/02
