Council planners have hit back at accusations they are “abusing” the planning system by using draconian lockdown powers to take planning decisions without properly involving the public.

Contrary to the suggestion made by a coalition of conservation and community groups last week, councils are not abusing the process, Royal Town Planning Institute chief executive Victoria Hills told Building Design’s sister title Housing Today.

Last week a joint statement signed by countryside charity CPRE, environmental group Friends of the Earth and civic society bodies the London Forum and Just Space, raised concerns about unelected officers in councils taking key planning decisions, and the inability of objectors to speak in many post-covid-19 “virtual” planning committees.

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