Member

I recall that, during our debates on the Planning and Infrastructure Act, the noble Lord asked about the interaction between Clause 60 of this Bill and neighbourhood planning. Our intention is for neighbourhood planning groups, whether they are parish or town councils or neighbourhood fora, to be able to act as participants in any arrangements made under Clause 60. In response to his question, only unitaries and counties can be designated as single foundation strategic authorities. It is not our intention to replace neighbourhood planning groups with the arrangements made under Clause 60; nor would the powers in Clause 60 permit this. Instead, we want the voice of neighbourhood planning groups to be heard within the arrangements made under that clause while continuing to have their own distinct role in the planning system.