Greens planning spokesperson Jamie Parker has cautioned the government’s plan to fast-track planning decisions in light of the coronavirus.
Earlier this week Urban Taskforce, a lobby group for big developers, released a list of ‘shovel ready’ projects some of which had been previously rejected by local Councils.
Jamie Parker MP says:
“Developers are looking to cash in on this crisis by having previously refused, inappropriate and poorly designed projects rushed through.
“Unfortunately developers seem to think this crisis is an excuse to deliver projects with little merit.
“The government is egging developers on by fast-tracking processes that are in place to make sure communities have a say in planning decisions and authorities have some level of quality control.
“We are all going to have to live with the projects that get rushed through using these special new powers so the government should listen to local residents and get it right.
“This crisis shouldn’t be used as an excuse for the government to grant every wish to their developer mates at a cost to the long term amenity of communities and environmental protection,” he says.
