Proposed government changes to planning law are undemocratic and "deeply concerning", according to Richmond Council.

They would "put so much emphasis on the need to build that local people's voice on planning matters would be very limited", the authority said.

Last week, the government announced its 'Planning for the Future' proposals which, if implemented, would substantially change the current plan-led process.

The reforms include radically altering Local Plans so that land would fall into one of only three categories: growth, renewal or protected.

Planning permission would be "automatically secured" for areas categorised for growth. Development would also be allowed in renewal areas, but it would be restricted in protected zones.

The proposals also include plans to scrap the Environmental Impact Assessment of schemes, running the risk of reducing consideration of how developments would impact, for example, on local nature or biodiversity.

In addition, local authorities would be bound by a new national requirement regarding the number of new homes to be built in their areas.

The current section 106 agreements under which developers deliver or finance affordable homes in exchange for permission to build would also be scrapped.

Cllr Martin Elengorn is vice chair of the Environment and Sustainability Committee at Richmond Council.

He said: "I am deeply concerned that the government's proposals would unbalance the Planning system in favour of developers, limiting local people's voice on planning matters and eroding our local democracy.

"With a weaker system of control, we could end up with poorly designed and too densely developed areas. Communities' input would be restricted to setting 'design codes' in the earliest stages, with no subsequent control about what goes where, and the standard of development.

"We are also deeply concerned that there is an immediate proposal to prevent affordable housing contributions coming from smaller developments and that the main proposals will limit our ability to ensure new development includes affordable homes.

"There is much that is unclear about what is proposed, and we will be working on a comprehensive response, consulting closely with our Members of Parliament.

"I hope the government will reconsider their proposals in the light of widespread concern and work with local councils to deliver the powers and vital investment needed to deliver the affordable homes we need."

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