The Communities Committee has called on the government to amend the forthcoming localism bill.  Ministers say a simplified planning system is needed to boost growth and encourage sustainable development.  

The MPs highlight the default "yes" in the reforms that gives the go-ahead to development unless the adverse effects "significantly and demonstrably" outweigh the benefits.

"This carries the risk of the planning system being used to implement poorly planned, unsustainable development", the report says.  "The 'default yes' to development and the phrase 'significantly and demonstrably' should be removed from the text."

BBC News

Committee Report