2nd August 2007

Planning Disaster, a coalition of Britain's leading environment organisations representing over five million members, is concerned that the Government's White Paper on planning will allow developers to push through major projects that could have a catastrophic impact on communities, the countryside and the wider environment. The Western Daily Press called for a Green party position on this paper, below Philip Booth responds.

Cllr Philip Booth, Coordinator of the 5-strong Green party group on Stroud District Council and a spokesperson for Gloucestershire Green parties said: "The Government's White Paper on planning is a serious erosion of democracy, yet more centralisation of powers in Westminister and a removal of our right to consultation. We don't need this proposed unelected, unaccountable new body to make decisions for us. It is no wonder so many important organisations like RSPB, Friends of the Earth, CPRE, the National Trust and others including the Green party are objecting to it."

Philip Booth added: "This White Paper could have a catastrophic impact on communities, the countryside and the wider environment. It gives the green light to massive developments and seems to be more about helping Labour's friends in the supermarket and nuclear industries, rather than giving local people a real say in planning. What we need instead is a planning system which allows people an effective say in how their area is developed."