There is nothing more controversial than Governments seeking to bypass local democracy.

I saw that with the desire of the last Government to bypass local democracy by imposing a special development order on RAF Scampton, and I see it now with the many applications to build solar farms that are ostensibly national infrastructure projects.

The present planning system was largely created by the Labour Government, and has stood the test of time.

I asked the Minister to assure me that whatever he decides finally, he will not degrade local democracy.

It is essential that people join a council, and join a planning committee, knowing that they have real powers and are not under the cosh of Government, or plans imposed by Government.

You can watch my question and his response here.

Local democracy exists for a reason.

Central government must not bypass it through Special Development Orders like it tried with Scampton. pic.twitter.com/ffiKl2KnXp

— Sir Edward Leigh MP (@EdwardLeighGB) December 9, 2024