An inadequate system of property rights has led to " endemic " disputes over planning within UK councils , said Rohan Silva , a former senior policy adviser to David Cameron when he was prime minister . Silva said local councils had been given too much decision - making power , and with millions of pounds at stake , the " potential for corruption among low - level officials and councillors is overwhelming " . Writing in News Review this weekend, Silva argues that the planning authorities have been given too much power to make decisions that could dramatically affect the value of properties and developments. Silva also called for the UK to adopt a planning system akin to the US , where property owners have full building and development rights , within predetermined limits .
An inadequate system of property rights has led to " endemic " disputes over planning within UK councils , said Rohan Silva , a former senior policy adviser to David Cameron when he was prime minister . Silva said local councils had been given too much decision - making power , and with millions of pounds at stake , the " potential for corruption among low - level officials and councillors is overwhelming " . Silva also called for the UK to adopt a planning system akin to the US , where property owners have full building and development rights , within predetermined limits .