Local government ministers have pledged £300m a year could be saved now the Planning Bill has received royal assent. Communities secretary, Hazel Blears, said: ‘Now we can begin to create the faster, fairer planning system we need, to reduce our fossil fuel addiction and build up a new generation of renewable-energy infrastructure sources such as wind power.' Planning Bill minister, John Healey, added: ‘During these tough economic times, a quick, predictable and fair planning service which can deliver new renewable-energy supplies, public transport and clean water is vital.'
