Fighting against over-development

Liberal Democrat councillors at County Hall are campaigning against the Labour government’s plans to reduce the influence of local councils in planning decisions.

Government proposals in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill would mean that ministers in London and unelected officials would be able to decide planning applications rather than local councillors elected by their communities.

Local Lib Dem councillor Mike-Heslop Mullins said: “This is a centralising power grab by the government which will sideline local communities rather than empower them.

Councillor Tom Robson added: “Local people are best placed to know what housing and infrastructure are needed in their areas, not unelected bureaucrats in London. Liberal Democrats will be doing all that we can to oppose these changes and stand up for our communities.”