David Simmonds

David Simmonds

Conservative — Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner

Speaking in the House of Commons on 14 July 2025

Debate

Planning System: Community Involvement

Contribution

Community support is always vital for development, and with 95% of planning applications already decided by officials under delegated powers, it is clear that that democratic voice can be missing. Can the Minister tell the House why, taking that in tandem with the devolution White Paper, which envisages abolishing around 75% of councillors who represent their local residents on planning committees in England, local communities do not deserve more of a say, rather than less, in the planning process?

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