The news comes as the issue is due to be debated in the House of Lords in a week’s time, as numerous campaign groups and professional bodies criticise the plans.
Planning Minister, Greg Clark said he would listen to the issues highlighted in the debate, as well as
taking into consideration the evidence presented during the consultation period, which closed this week.
To date, the National Trust has been one of the most vociferous opponents, and has already asked its 3.1 million members to sign a petition against the planning reforms.
Other pressure groups, such as the Campaign for Better Transport and the Campaign to Protect Rural England, have claimed the reforms will lead to congestion, urban sprawl and the digging up of greenbelt land and the countryside.
Mr Clark said: ‘Our reforms are intended to simplify the system, strengthen local participation and
to help achieve sustainable development.
‘The planning system has alwaysenshrined the principle that the economic, environmental and social dimensions of sustainable development should be considered in a balanced way – and it will continue to do so.’