Call for LPAs to take a back seat

Local planning authorities (LPAs) should stand back and let clients and contractors take the lead, according to the British Property Federation (BPF).

The BPF, which represents the property sector, claims LPAs interfere with developments "too often".

"So many times we have seen squabbles over planning," said BPF's director of planning and construction Christopher Morley.

"Recently we saw London mayor Ken Livingstone and his Greater London Authority swinging handbags with English Heritage over the design of the London Bridge Tower."

He added: "None of this helps the client. We want to see LPAs on the back burner when it comes to building aesthetics. They can't possibly make an informed decision."