Telford & Wrekin Conservatives have accused Labour of stripping local people of their say over planning decisions.

Under new Labour Party rules, councillors and town and parish councils will lose the right to call applications before the Planning Committee. Even large numbers of objections will no longer trigger a public hearing.

More decisions will instead be made by unelected officers, with no public debate and no vote by elected councillors.

Councillor Nigel Dugmore BEM, Conservative planning spokesman, said:

“This is outrageous and takes away the voice of local people.”

“Labour are letting unelected officers impose anything on a local community. This could mean anything from housing asylum seekers in Telford homes to building more solar farms on farmland. Local people’s views won’t matter to Labour under these rules”.

“Local people's voices are important. They make sure mistakes are challenged and developments can be improved or stopped where they would harm the community. The voice of the people matters. Labour are taking that away.”

The changes follow a move by the Labour administration on Telford & Wrekin Council to cap Full Council meetings to just two hours, further proof that Labour doesn't think other voices matter.

Cllr Dugmore added:

“Labour calls this devolution, but it is taking power away from councillors, parish councils and residents.

“This is not local decision-making. It is less power for the public.”

"The Conservatives will continue to fight Labour to ensure that every voice is heard, not just the ones Labour want to hear."