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Industry commends ministers for giving businesses a voice in local planning

The British Property Federation today welcomed amendments to the Localism Bill that would for the first time give businesses a voice in the planning system.

The government today published amendments to the Localism Bill that would open up membership of Neighbourhood Forums – local groups that will be empowered to draw up planning documents for their communities – to businesses with links to the area.

The BPF had argued in favour of the changes since the publication of the Localism Bill, making the case to ministers that businesses have a key role in creating thriving communities.

British Property Chief Executive Liz Peace said: “We have been hugely impressed with the willingness of ministers to engage on this issue, and we are delighted that they have listened to the concerns that have been put forward by the business community.

“Businesses, including property owners,  are as much a part of a community as residents and their involvement will be vital if Government is to realise its aim of using the planning system to boost development and economic growth.”

Notes to editors

Minister of State for Decentralisation the Rt Hon Greg Clark MP is expected to give further details of the role of businesses in Neighbourhood Planning at an event held by the British Property Federation and the British Chambers of Commerce, next Thursday from 11am at the Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street, SE1 0SU.

For further information or to arrange an interview with Liz Peace please contact Patrick Clift, media and public affairs manager, on 020 7802 0128 or at pclift@bpf.org.uk, or Paul Sweeney, media officer, on 020 7802 0113 or at psweeney@bpf.org.uk

The amendments tabled by Secretary Eric Pickles can be found at:
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmbills/161/amend/pbc1611005a.1959-1965.html

The Report Stage and Third Reading of the Localism Bill will take place in the House of Commons next week.

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