I am writing in response to your request for evidence for the Committee's inquiry. CPRE is not in a position to submit a detailed memorandum but the Committee may be interested in the enclosed joint statement of principles concerning the implications of the legislation for the planning system. This was prepared by CPRE with the Civic Trust, Environmental Law Foundation and RSPB.

  The joint statement highlights two key issues which experience has shown to be valid following Royal Assent.

  First, that the effect of the new executive structures is to introduce an unfortunate split between plan-making and development control which undermines the effectiveness of the plan-led system.

  Second, the new structures lack sufficient guarantees about:

—  access to meetings of the executive;

—  the probity of Cabinet and Mayoral systems in relation to development of a local authority`s own land; and

—  the ability of local councillors to effectively represent ward concerns if they are not part of the new machinery.

  I also enclose a copy of correspondence with Beverley Hughes MP which summarises the Government's response to some of these concerns.[1]

Tony Burton

Assistant Director (Policy)

January 2001