Communities secretary Eric Pickles has been accused of attempting to legalise planning decisions made on the basis of financial reward. The Campaign to Protect Rural England claimed in February that the New Homes Bonus, a government incentive to give councils money for new homes built, was open to legal challenge. By linking planning decisions to payments, they claimed, the decisions were ‘tainted’. Mr Pickles has tabled an amendment to the Localism Bill, which is due to go to report stage in the House of Commons next week, that would allow councils to accept government money for agreeing to development. The CPRE claims this allows councils to make pro-growth decisions, regardless of the local plan or environmental needs. Other government amendments that will be brought forward next week include one to allow businesses to have a say in local development. As it stands, the bill will allow neighbourhood groups to draw up planning proposals for their areas. Under the amendment membership of these groups would be extended to local businesses. Read more on Inside Housing.
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