Proposals for streamlining planning procedures for deciding on large new energy installations risk delaying rather than speeding up delivery, to the detriment of the environment and local communities. 

This was CPRE's {1} reaction to a key aspect of the Government's Energy Review {2} published today (Tuesday).  Neil Sinden, CPRE's Policy Director said:

'The debate over our future energy needs is critical.  Yet it has become dominated by considerations of future supply options, obscuring the vital issue of how we can reduce demand by improving energy efficiency and promoting less energy reliant lifestyles. 

'And the Government risks undermining the role of the planning system in securing sustainable development.  In tackling our energy needs, effective spatial planning should be seen as part of the solution, not part of the problem.   

Neil Sinden concluded:

'Any proposals to weaken the public's voice in future planning decisions will only intensify concern over nuclear power and other large energy installations, making long term solutions harder to find.'

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NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. CPRE, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, is a charity which promotes the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of rural England. We advocate positive solutions for the long-term future of the countryside. Founded in 1926, we have 60,000 supporters and a branch in every county. President: Sir Max Hastings. Patron: Her Majesty The Queen.

2. The much anticipated Energy Review was published on 11 July.  In his statement to the House of Commons, Rt Hon Alastair Darling, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry said: 'Critically, the planning system needs to be streamlined and it needs to deliver. We'll be acting to ensure that energy companies, whether seeking to build gas storage facilities, wind farms or any other kind of large energy installation, are not faced with costly uncertainties and delay. Local concerns about specific sites must be taken into consideration but the right balance has to be struck with the national need for our vital energy infrastructure.'  The Energy Review itself states: 'The Government is committing now to introducing fundamental change to the planning system in England and Wales for major energy projects...' (chapter 7, paragraph 7.12) and contains detailed proposals concerning planning for new nuclear build (chapter 7, paragraphs 7.37 and 7.38, and Annex A).