I thank the Minister for that reply and for the support we have had from right round the House, which was very telling. The response from the Front Bench opposite was disappointing, although not surprising. What the noble Lord, Lord Kennedy, said about striking the right balance was right; in planning, that is what it is all about. We need to ensure that local people are fully engaged in planning opportunities so that we build consensus and actually get the development we need. That is why we all support neighbourhood planning, but why there is a real need now for this limited right of appeal just for parish councils and neighbourhood forums.
5.30 pm
I am delighted that by the end of his remarks the noble Earl, Lord Lytton, was reassured in support of this limited right. In proposing the amendment, we made the case for both made neighbourhood plans and those which are at least at the point for submission to local authorities for their examination. I accept that
there is always a question mark about where you draw the line, but at that point those volunteers have done all the work—and that seemed to me the right place to put the line in the sand.
On the basis that this House believes in neighbourhood planning, wants more homes and cannot understand why a Government whose Bill is all about needing more homes are not prepared to accept the amendment, I wish to test the opinion of the House.