More MPs have come out in support of quality local journalism by tabling Parliamentary Questions calling on Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick to keep planning notices in local newspapers as the Government mulls widespread planning reform.<\/p>\n
This week, Bob Seely, Conservative, MP for Isle of Wight, became the latest parliamentarian to voice concern over the proposals, tabling a question<\/a> for the Communities Secretary asking “what assessment he has made of the contribution of the statutory requirement to publicise planning applications in local newspapers to ensuring that there is (a) transparency and (b) democratic engagement in the planning process; and if he will make a statement.”<\/p>\n It is the latest in a series of Parliamentary questions to the Communities Secretary<\/a> in which MPs have raised concerns about the millions of people who would be excluded from seeing the notices if the requirement to publicise them in local papers was removed, as proposed in the Planning for the Future consultation.<\/p>\n In a comment piece<\/a> this week, The Yorkshire Post said: “Not only will any imposition of the proposals, part of moves to encourage new developments, directly contradict devolution policy – but they’re also anti-democratic.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udde3\ufe0f ” The publication of planning notices in local newspapers, the most trusted media of all, are fundamental when it comes to alerting people, and businesses, about new applications. They’re the foundations of local democracy and accountability.”https:\/\/t.co\/R6xlyr6BEd<\/a><\/p>\n — The Yorkshire Post (@yorkshirepost) November 10, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n