Planning bill delayed

The government has announced it is delaying its planning bill amid suggestions that it could be facing a revolt from Labour backbenchers.

It has put back a vote on the bill to June 23rd after suggestions that some MPs could try to force through amendments.

The bill would introduce a new independent body to make planning decisions in a bid to speed up the process and reduce red tape.

Major projects such as power stations would be included, but so too would housing developments.

The Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) welcomed the delay, with senior planning campaigner Paul Miner saying that the plans amounted to a ploy to create a "new, unaccountable quango".

While the CPRE is resistant to the legislation as it campaigns against new building in the countryside, those hoping new planning rules may make it easier to develop new housing projects may be concerned.

If the bill is watered down, some may decide it is better to self build their home than wait for more homes to be built where development could be delayed.