Member

I turn to Motions E and E1 on Lords Amendments 41, 94, 94B, 94C, 94F and 94G, from the noble Baroness, Lady McIntosh of Pickering. Although I thank my noble colleagues for their insightful comments on the agent of change principle, I remain of the view that the most effective way to ensure that the principle is being properly applied is by strengthening the existing policy framework, rather than by introducing a new statutory provision. National planning policy is neither marginal nor discretionary; it carries substantial weight in the planning system. We are already undertaking a major reform programme aimed at streamlining and improving the consent process, reducing ambiguity and lengthy legal disputes to ensure that decisions are made fairly and quickly.