This removal of local democratic accountability is an entirely retograde move against the interests of communities.

I strongly oppose the removal of the local democratic element.

Having read the White Paper I feel really angry at the removal of powers and participation from the local level. I’m glad to sign this charter

Planning rules are so important to a community, to control the environment we want to live in. This should be a community decision, not developers and Whitehall.

What ever happened to localism? People should have the right to participate in, comment on, and contribute to what happens to their neighbourhood, as in Neighbourhood Plans. Give planning decisions back to councils and allow democractic participation in the planning process.

The Planning rules must be strengthened so that housing developments are adequately served by Public Transport. If this requires the provision of new railway stations, or bus routes, then these must be in position before the development starts – the people do not have to automatically own a car to get out and about. Developers should pay for such initial provision. As regards large industrial developments or warehouses these should situated adjacent to railways so that Private Sidings can be provided either initially or at sometime in the future.