New Planning Bill

The Government's new Planning Bill has received Royal Assent which will pave the way for new green infrastructure to help cut carbon emissions.

"One third of Britain's electricity generation capacity must be replaced in the next few years and the current planning system is not able to cope," said Communities Secretary Hazel Blears.

"Now that the Planning Bill has been given Royal Assent we can begin to create the faster, fairer planning system we need to reduce our fossil fuel addiction and build up a new generation of renewable energy infrastructure sources like wind power. Many low carbon power sources will now get faster approval, and the country could save £300m a year."

The Bill will boost the need for informed decisions on planning which in turn will increase the skills needs of planners themselves.

SSCs collectively intend to work on renewable issues across all sectors and are in the process of forming a group to establish what work is underway and what new work is needed in light of proposals contained in this bill.

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