Chichester Planning Changes Criticised As ‘Assault On Democracy’

Changes to the way planning applications are decided have been criticised by Chichester councillors.

The Government’s National Scheme of Delegation comes into force on October 31, meaning more applications could be decided by planning officers rather than councillors.

Chichester’s ‘Red Card’ system, which allows councillors to call applications to the planning committee, will also be withdrawn.

Councillors raised concerns the changes could reduce local democratic involvement, although council officers said lower-tier councils would still have a say on significant applications.

The council must introduce the changes or risk legal action.