In the past, inappropriate developments in Shiplake have been opposed by residents and councillors, resulting in the application being referred to the planning committee; soon such action will not be possible.

 

From the end of October, under new Government legislation, local democratic oversight of the planning process will be dramatically curtailed. Unelected officers will be given total power to decide on approval of any development of up to 9 houses, even if there are 500 local objections. Councillors will have their power to ‘call-in’ any such application to the planning committee removed. 

 

Even schemes of 10 or more houses can only be called in to the committee with approval from senior planning officers, effectively giving unelected officials a total veto over public scrutiny.

 

This policy is completely at odds with Andy Burnham's claim that he will devolve power to the regions, so it is unsurprising it has been given so little publicity.