I have strong reservations…

Comment

I have strong reservations about the proposed changes that will empower the minister to intervene so significantly in local planning decisions. And to do so without even giving notice that he/she is about to do so.

Will this not give the public the impression that developers will no longer need to negotiate with local municipal authorities and citizenry when making proposals, but instead can go directly to the minister. The cynical might suggest that a large donation to the political party of the government in power might actual save a lot of money for the developer when one considers the staff time of the developer.

Avoiding or over riding the normal planning processes should be a last resort, not the normal way of doing business.

Thank you.