Local communities are being denied their democratic right to partake in decisions that affect their immediate environment. RAFF (Residents Action On Fylde Fracking) has always encouraged its members to take action and get involved in local matters. The new planning laws do not make provision for this. There also seems to be no mention of the fact that an increase of effective integration of climate change and ecological matters into projects at the earliest appropriate stage enables better outcomes, reduced risk and cost.

We voted unanimously to support this charter at our Environment & Planning Meeting 11th November 2020. We agree with the articles as stated: our democaratic rights to influence planning and developmen, twhich should be sustainable and appropriate, protect our green-spaces for the well-being of people and to enhance biodiversity, and to tackle climate change. https://bradfordonavontowncouncil.gov.uk/ Submitted on behalf of the Council: Chair of Environment & Planning, Deputy Mayor

We represent diverse community of local supporters. Such local residents have a stake in the way their neighbourhoods look and function, and a right to to respond to concerns, not to mention substantial expertise in the local geography. Planning for future developments and transport infrastructure must continue to be scrutinised democratically through local councils and public consultation.

We believe it is important for planning decisions to be properly scrutinised in an open and transparent manner. If these decisions are left to the organisations which have a clear vested financial interest, they will be biased and will not take proper account of environmental, ecological and conservation factors.

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.