MPs offered veto vote on major road schemes

Ministers will be offered the chance to veto controversial schemes for roads, airports and nuclear power plants as part of concessions proposed in the planning reform bill.

Local government minister John Healey has written to MPs to say he is amending the bill to give MPs a greater say over national strategies for projects including nuclear energy, roads and airports.

It had been proposed the major matters be decided by a commissioner – a plan rejected by many MPs.

The changes give MPs a chance to vote on national strategies before they are referred to the commission for decision, the Guardian reported.

Mr Healey said the bill would also make the planning system quicker, more transparent and easier for the public to be involved in.

The bill is due for its third reading on Monday.