The pandemic has understandably distracted attention from ‘business as normal’ government. However, the proposed Planning Bill is a great cause for concern. Although it has been deferred until after the local elections in May, it is important that local residents register their opposition to any changes to planning law that removes the rights of individuals, communities and local councils to register their concerns about planning proposals.

Two aspects of the Planning Bill are particularly worrying:

1  A  new zonal planning system, where planning permission would be automatically granted in designated growth areas. For example, new build proposals would go through 'on the nod'.

2  Local residents losing the right to comment on individual planning applications.

This petition therefore calls on our local Member of Parliament and Northumberland County Council to oppose any attempts to water down the right of communities to comment on new planning applications.