A WHITE Paper which threatens to shake up the planning system in the UK has been slammed by a Worcestershire parliamentary candidate.

Harriett Baldwin, who is standing in West Worcestershire for the Conservative Party at the next general election, said it would cause a big headache in Worcester.

The White Paper calls for a centralised body to be the authority over sewage plants, power plants and incinerator chimneys left in neighbourhoods.

Anyone sitting on the centralised body would get eight-year fixed terms, but they would not be elected.

Miss Baldwin called the White Paper "undemocratic" and called for local people to still have the authority.

Miss Baldwin: "Labour's regional planning red tape and Whitehall targets have snarled up the planning system, while restricting the say of local residents.

"Ever higher stamp duty and soaring council tax have made it harder for people in Worcestershire to get a foot on the first rung of the housing ladder.

"Yes, the planning system needs more reform and we need to build more homes. But the voice of local communities must be preserved and a democratic, accountable process must be maintained."

The White Paper, the biggest shake up in the planning system for 20 years, would also allow homeowners to build small extensions and install energy-saving devices without planning permission.

It would also introducing a standard application form for the public and a new fast-track appeals system.

As the Worcester News reported on Monday, city council planning chief Paul O'Connor revealed he had mixed views on the White Paper. Worcester MP Mike Foster said: "Harriet obviously doesn't understand the way the system works now.

"If something goes to appeal now, a planning inspector makes a decision, and they aren't elected - they aren't even under a fixed term.

"It's a salaried job, so there isn't democracy under the current system.

"The White Paper is about how we can improve the system for the benefit of the economy and society."