Barnet Press: Mill Hill Music Festival success

Daily Telegraph: "New planning laws threaten green belt"

Link to Daily Telegraph

"The new national planning policy "dramatically" simplifies the planning system, including slashing 1,000 pages of policy to just 52.

"However environmental groups fear it will lead to more homes on the green belt and destruction of wildlife habitat.

"The proposals, launched for consultation, will not be made offical policy until next year but will already be affecting plans for development.

"Greg Clarke, the planning minister, said it would make it much quicker to build a new house or office block."

The Independent: "National Trust concerns over planning move"

Link to The Independent

"The National Trust today voiced 'grave concerns' over Government proposals aimed at dramatically simplifying the planning system, warning of 'damaging development' not seen since the 1930s.

"Ministers said they wanted to slash 1,000 pages of policy to just 52, while continuing to protect the green belt and areas of natural or scientific beauty.

"Fiona Reynolds, the trust's director general, said:

"Despite some warm words to this effect, the document makes it clear that development is to be encouraged, even urging local authorities to promote more development than is in the plan, and over-allocate land for housing."