Liberal Democrats Oppose Planning Committee Power Grab

The York Liberal Democrat Group have slammed plans by the Labour-run council to force through sweeping changes to the city’s planning committee structure, describing the move as an “end of democracy in planning.” 

Under Labour’s proposals: 

• One of the council’s two Planning Committees would be abolished
• All but the largest applications would be delegated to officers for decision, rather than decisions being made in public by elected councillors
• The public and councillors would be left with far fewer opportunities to have their say on important developments 

These changes are being pushed through despite the fact that central government has not yet legislated for a national delegation scheme for planning decisions. Ministers have only suggested such an approach could be considered in the future but York’s Labour Council bosses have decided to jump early, cutting local residents and councillors out of key decisions before Parliament has even debated the matter. 

The Liberal Democrats have slammed a council report which outlines the changes as “insulting”, pointing out that it contains almost no context or detail, simply presenting the changes as a fait accompli: “like it or lump it.” 

The Liberal Democrats argue that York’s planning system currently balances professional expertise with democratic oversight and that the proposed changes would undermine that balance, leaving residents with fewer opportunities to make their voices heard on developments that directly affect their communities. 

Cllr Tony Fisher, Vice Chair of Planning A, said:

“This is simply a power grab by Labour, silencing residents, reducing scrutiny, and concentrating decision making in the hands of a few. Planning decisions shape the future of our communities, for example ensuring that new developments are supported with new and improved infrastructure to cope with increased demand. These decisions should be open, transparent, and accountable, not stitched up behind closed doors.

“It is shocking that these changes are being rushed through without proper consultation, and before government has even introduced a Bill to Parliament. Labour are undermining democracy in York, and treating councillors and residents with contempt. We will fight these changes every step of the way.”