BBC: "National Trust criticises draft planning reforms"

Link to BBC web site

"The National Trust has criticised draft planning reforms, saying the system should protect public interests, not primarily promote economic growth.

"Director Dame Fiona Reynolds said the government should clarify its position. The group is among critics of the draft National Planning Policy Framework, which intends to slash 1,000 pages of policy to just 52.

"Dame Fiona said she welcomed Mr Clark's invitation to the National Trust to engage in further dialogue about the changes. But she added:

"We're not prepared to enter into such talks until we have a clear statement, from the highest levels of government, clarifying that the planning system is not there principally to promote economic development."