The Government has attempted to soothe the fears of conservationists by promising that major projects will not be forced through parliament on a whipped vote.
Planning minister Lord Falconer added the detail to the Government’s proposed policies on major infrastructure projects at a meeting held last night by the RSPB’s Green Alliance, which is lobbying the government to ensure greater community involvement in the planning system.
Reading a speech on behalf of Falconer, who was unable to attend, Brian Hackland, head of town and country planning at DTLR, said: “I have been asked whether the Government will whip the vote. I can see different points of view here but I would expect Parliament to demand a free vote and to make a decision based on the merits of the case.”
He added: “Members of Parliament will be open to express their concerns and to be lobbied. They will reflect the public mood.”
The speech also detailed what schemes would be likely to go through the parliamentary process.
The need for major schemes, such as a new airport or power station, would be published as White Papers following consultation, which would then be subject to Parliamentary scrutiny.
Falconer said: “We expect this Parliamentary procedure to be used very infrequently – perhaps only for a couple of projects a year.”
EGi News 19/03/02
