It will erode what little rights we have under the current planning process.

Our planning system is under threat. Planning matters because it gives us rights and powers over what happens in our communities. Given the public health and climate change crises, now is the time to make sure we have a system that works for the public interest.

It is so important that we preserve local democratic control over planning decisions and ensure that environmental issues have key priority

Sustain believes the planning system should be responsive to communities that want to shape the place they live to bring about sustainable local food systems. Places where policy makers, growers, food retailers, food businesses and consumers work in partnership will be healthy communities. Communities should have a voice not only at the policy stage but also in responding to details of a specific proposal to ensure all impacts have been taken into account and all possible opportunities have been identified. Food partnerships can bring a wealth of expertise to decision making. For more information on our position regarding the proposed planning reforms, please see: https://www.sustainweb.org/news/oct20-planning-for-the-future/