Junior planning minister Bob Neill has called on planners to become "experts at working with communities, and translating their visions into action".
Community consultation and local engagement were given pride of place in the Minister’s address to the National Planning Forum today, as Mr Neill called on the profession to “lead the revolution to put power back into the hands of people”
Mr Neill said: "We're abolishing this ridiculous system where Whitehall tells communities what they must build, and then dictates when and where they have to build it. Those who make planning decisions will no longer be able to avoid reporting back to those whose lives are directly affected by them.
"Communities will be able to come together and take responsibility for solving their own local challenges in a way that make sense for them. And in return, they will be offered powerful incentives that ensure they see the benefits of the development they welcome.
"But we can't return to localism simply by changing the rules. We need your help to make this work. Planning has its roots in a democratic system that engages local communities.
"You were there at the beginning, and you will be there again to give communities the real power and real influence they deserve."
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