RSPB fear proposed Planning reforms will damage wildlife
A new Planning White Paper will be presented to parliament today which could spell disaster for wildlife in England. It proposes limiting objections to major developments, which effectively means that anyone opposing schemes like the enlargement of Lydd Airport, which is threatening the RSPB reserve in Dungeness, Kent, may not receive a fair hearing before a final decision is made.
The head of RSPB's Planning, Simon Marsh, acknowledges the vital role the public have played in halting major developments in the past, including plans to build a monster airport at Cliffe Marshes in Kent, and the commissioning of major new roads and motorways. If this White Paper goes on to become law it could mean an end to that public voice, and may lead to the destruction of precious countryside which can never be replaced.
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