We recognise this Charter as a statement of the values that are shared by all democracies, and the importance of spatial planning as a means to a ‘living’ democracy. We note that this aligns with the principles of the European Charter for Participatory Democracy in Spatial Planning Processes, and particularly Article 3 : "In a Participatory Democracy approach, a broad range of interests and needs are expressed by as wide as possible range of concerned people. The process must enable each of those impacted by or having an interest in a plan, policy or programme of action to participate." (Article 3, of the ECTP-CEU Charter). We encourage all elected representatives to publicly declare their commitment to a more participatory form planning.

Local communities are best placed to make planning decisions to ensure sustainable development which enhances the beauty, history and character of their local area

We should have the same appeal rights as developers to challenge decisions which are not in public interest. Green spaces must be protected.

We are a regional umbrella group campaigning to save green belt and green space across Greater Manchester. The White Paper Planning for the Future (PftF) moves away from planning based on evidence and is not fit for purpose, it puts the interests of landowners and developers before the community and is an end to community participation and the promise of a democratic planning system.

Thank you for developing this People’s Charter. It is much needed. It is time our collective voices are heard. If a Climate Emergency has been declared by a public body, it should not be able to be ignored. All planning applications should have consideration of the CE at the heart of the proposals. Citizens should be a key stakeholder in every planning application – not an afterthought. Citizens’ Advocates should be appointed to ensure the focus is on what citizens need – not on developer profits! In addition, communities should have the same right of access to public funds to raise challenges as Local Authorities do! As things stand, we have to raise money through donations, this is not the case for Local Authorities or Developers.

The planning system in England is predicated upon democratic accountability—accountability that be maintained, and indeed strengthened, in any changes to the planning process.

We are the umbrella organisation for the movement of over 7,000 local Friends of Parks Groups throughout the UK, all of whom are entitled to have a real say over anything which affects their local public green space or local community