The new planning system will radically alter how residents are informed and engage with planning for change in their local area.

At the moment residents are informed about 80% of development applications. Under the new laws this will drop to around 20%.

The government is saying that residents will have the opportunity to engage with the strategic planning for their local area, but this is exactly the same as now.

Basically, it appears that the government is trying to exclude residents and their opinions. All in the name of economic development and urban consolidation.

The new planning laws are likely to go before parliament shortly.