UNDER new Government proposals, an independent, unelected unaccountable body will be appointed to make all the planning decisions for England and Wales.
Local people will lose the right to have their say on issues affecting their community.
This can include the building of new housing developments, roads, supermarkets and incinerators, through to nuclear power stations and airport expansion.
It is up to us to ensure our rights are not given over to developers, as this bill denies our right to participate, to be heard, and challenge issues affecting our community and environment.
In Northern Ireland they have forced the Government to rethink Write to your local MP and Hazel Blears MP, Secretary of State for Community and Local Government, as soon as possible, urging them to rework the Planning Bill.
It is not a case of why bother it won't affect me, because this is taking away everyone's right for planning applications to be accountable, democratic and fair.
Your right to be involved in long-term decisions affecting where you live will be silenced.
PATRICIA COOPER, Waterside Terrace, Darwen.
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