Press Release

    MPA gives mixed reaction to Tory planning proposals

    25 February 2010

    MPA has given a mixed reaction to the publication of the Conservatives long awaited policy Green Paper on planning.

    The recognition that the existing planning system is not fit for purpose, is too complex, costly and failing to deliver sound plans agrees with MPA's own publicly stated analysis and is welcomed.

    MPA also welcomes the recognition of the link between an effective planning system and our ability to reinvigorate our construction and development industries which will be vital to our economic recovery.

    There are positive initiatives, such as the proposed abolition of the Regions, the scrapping of CIL, the creation of a presumption in favour of sustainable development and the strengthening of parliamentary scrutiny of major infrastructure projects.

    However the shift towards 'bottom up' planning based on the views of local communities risks institutionalising 'nimbysim and parochialism' unless there are effective checks and balances, such as a strong national policy framework and rigorous monitoring of key indicators, for example the maintenance of sufficient landbanks of aggregates.

    The introduction of third party rights of appeal risks creating uncertainty, delays and costs for developers. A weakening of powers of the Planning Inspectorate could act as a further disincentive.

    Unlike other forms of development minerals can only be dug where they lie and their uneven distribution means that regional and inter-regional supplies are essential and must be safeguarded.

    While MPA is happy to work with the Conservative Party to clarify aspects of this paper, it is keen to build upon and improve the effective aspects of the existing managed aggregate supply system founded on the principle of 'steady and adequate supply'.

    Simon van der Byl, Executive Director for Public Policy, said: "It is pleasing to see that there is awareness of the fact that some minerals need to be treated as strategic and must be managed by the Secretary of State. This acknowledges that minerals are extracted for the benefit of the country and not just for local communities.

    "We are ready to work with any future administration to ensure that there is sufficient access to the minerals required to support the sustainable development of the UK."