Planning Bill

Before the Minster goes on to another amendment, applicants will set great store by the tone that the Government set on this. My noble friend rapidly—because we understand the need to move on—explained the problems of trust and confidence if a promoter undertakes the application himself. I can envisage people saying, ““Well, it’s the applicant; there is no point in us going along to a meeting””, while the applicant says, ““Only three people came, so there is no objection””. What the Government have to say about encouraging genuine consultation is very important in addition to the words in the Bill.