A new Bill which aims to make the planning system quicker, more transparent and easier for the public to become involved in will be published today by Communities Secretary Hazel Blears.

The Planning Bill will reform the planning system for major infrastructure projects which is increasingly struggling to deal with the challenges of the 21st century - climate change, protecting the environment and the need for new homes.

It is hoped the Bill will establish a better system for dealing with those decisions with opportunities for public participation locked into each stage of the process. It will also strengthen accountability and ensure decision-making is transparent and fair with sustainable development at its heart.

The changes are expected to bring the average time for decisions on major projects down to under a year ending years of unnecessary delays on the infrastructure the country needs to tackle challenges of a modern world and help tackle climate change. On average £300m a year will be saved, nearly £5bn by 2030.

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Communities will have a far greater say - with the Bill including a package of measures that will strengthen public participation in the setting of national infrastructure policy, the development of individual projects and planning decisions themselves.

The Bill will also simplify the local town and country planning system, improve the appeal process and puts a duty on councils in preparing their local plans to take action on climate change.

Local councils will also be able to set charges on new developments in their areas to contribute to community infrastructure like roads, schools and hospitals.

Hazel Blears said: "The new measures show that it is possible to deliver not only a faster and more efficient planning system, but high quality decisions with greater community involvement.

"There will always be controversial projects that stir opinion and require difficult judgements to be made. However having a stronger system will ensure all opinions - particularly those of the public are heard sooner. Making good judgements in less time is of benefit to everyone. Long-lasting stale-mates that finally stagger to a conclusion are no good for anyone."

The Bill will also make it easier for homeowners to extend their homes. Planning permission will not be required for minor developments such as conservatories, small scale extensions where it is clear they have little or no impact on neighbouring properties.

(GK/SP)