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The communities secretary Robert Jenrick has defended the government’s proposed reforms of the planning system in England, under which developers will be granted "automatic" permission to build homes and schools on sites for "growth". He told Nick Robinson: “I don't think this does give more power to developers, it creates a much more certain system. It will, for example, fix the challenge of developer contributions once and for all." He was speaking as the government unveiled the planning white paper, which goes out for consultation today. Under the current system, ministers believe it takes far too long for new homes to be approved - and the rules need to be streamlined. Critics say it could lead to "bad-quality housing" and loss of local control over development.

Credit: Press Association