The Government has defended reforming the planning system, despite growing opposition from MPs. Legislation to create the new Infrastructure Planning Commission came under fire from MPs on all sides in the House of Commons on Monday. The Government was also criticised for splitting the debate between the session on Monday and another next week (June 9). Shadow planning minister, Jacqui Lait, said the Government was ‘panicking' over its plans. Planning Bill minister, John Healey, said the reforms would give local communities a greater say over major infrastructure improvements. ‘We don't have the planning system we need to deal with climate change, secure our energy and water supplies for the future, or make sure our transport system can keep our economy going,' said Mr Healey. A DCLG spokesman said the Bill was always scheduled over two days. ‘The voting schedule was published in advance of the Whitsun recess,' said the spokesman. ‘Nothing has changed.' Communities secretary, Hazel Blears, has also announced an extension of the Planning Aid scheme. Funding for the scheme, which provides independent free planning advice, will rise from £1.7m this year to £3.2m.
