Interesting aside on the localism debate from Policy Exchange recently - the think-tank widely regarded as the epitomy of 'Cameron Conservatism' during the party's time in opposition and a key influencer on the no.10 policy unit.
The group has suggested residents in specific areas most affected by development should vote on project proposals, and be provided with cash incentives to persuade them to back development in their area.
The move's motivation has been publicised as preventing small and militant community minoirites effectively lobbying councils against development without legitimacy as representatives of the local view.
This, no one would argue with.
Whether local residents are best placed to weigh the strategic considerations of a council's vision against their interests as local residents fairly and objectively will remain a contentious issue.
Grant Shapps' silence on the matter suggests we will not see this being muted as a policy option in the Localism Bill - although it may resurface should localism's mantra fail to translate into effective and reasoned legislation by the end of the year.
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