The T5 planning inquiry would have been shorter if the Government had clear policies on major infrastructure projects, DTLR ministers are claiming.
They are arguing that the length of the T5 inquiry lends credence to plans to decide for or against the “principle” of major projects in Parliament, instead of at an inquiry.
Stephen Byers, the DTLR Secretary, said yesterday that these proposals, mooted in July, would be unveiled in the Government’s consultation paper on planning “in the next six to eight weeks”.
Byers added: “I believe that we can propose a better process that allows Parliament as a democratic body to have a say on the principle of policies. Terminal 5 is a lesson in how not to plan major infrastructure projects.”
Planning minister Lord Falconer, who is responsible for the forthcoming planning green paper, said yesterday: “Much of the hearing on Terminal 5 was about international airport policy.
“There should be more Government statements about policy so that inquiries dont have to work out what it is.”
Tory transport spokesman Eric Pickles said that the delay was not only the “last hurrah of a cumbersome planning system”, but also the fault of the Secretary of State, adding: “The report gathered dust on his desk for a year after its completion.”
EGi News 21/11/01
