Angela Rayner leads Parliamentary debate on Planning and Infrastructure Bill
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill received its second reading in Parliament on Monday 24th March.
Opening the debate Secretary of State Angela Rayner MP promised measures in the Bill would help “transform the lives of working people and Britain’s prospects for years to come”, arguing that “getting Britain building again [is what] working people expect of this Government”.
The debate that followed over 5 hours saw MPs from all parties offer their views; many points and questions raised by MPs focused on environmental impacts, delivery of infrastructure associated with new developments, and the role of councillors on planning committees.
Minister of State Matthew Pennycook MP summed up the debate, emphasising that his government is “fully committed to making sure development contributes to nature’s recovery, delivering a win-win for nature and the economy”, whilst also emphasising that “there is significant room for improvement in how [planning] committees operate”, arguing they must focus on “scrutinising development without obstructing it”.
A vote at the end of the debate saw all Liberal Democrat, Plaid Cymru and Reform members present voting against the Bill. Labour and Green Party members present voted in favour, whilst Conservative MPs abstained.
The Bill will now progress to Committee stage, where a smaller group of MPs will go through the Bill line-by-line to examine the proposals in detail and discuss amendments, some of which the Government may accept. We await confirmation of membership of this Committee.
The Government has opened a “Call for Evidence” for the Bill, inviting interested stakeholders to submit their representations to be considered by the Bill Committee. You can find more information about the Call for Evidence here:
If you have strong views on the Bill and its likely impact we suggest you submit comments to the Call for Evidence
To read Secretary of State Angela Rayner’s opening remarks on the Bill click here. To read the closing comments of Minister of State Matthew Pennycook MP on the Bill click here.
SP Broadway will continue to monitor the government’s planning reforms, and we will keep you updated on the Planning and Infrastructure Bill as it progresses through Parliament.
