Business leaders are stepping up their battle to halt Government proposals to change the planning system.

Oxfordshire Chamber of Commerce chairman John Naish has written to the county's six MPs urging them to oppose what has been outlined in the Green Paper Planning: Delivering Fundamental Change.

In the letter, Mr Naish said: "In the Green Paper, the Government recognises some concerns of business, including the need to improve the administration of the system.

"But there is a major inconsistency at the heart of the proposals -- they recognise the need for local community involvement, while at the same time centralising decisions at a regional level. "These two objectives are incompatible and will pass many of the policy-making decisions to unelected and remote authorities.

"There will be no accountability for the policy-makers, who could potentially make disastrous decisions."

Mr Naish also highlighted the need for the planning system to take into account an area's economy, employment and housing, rather than forcing them to fit into a vision of the future.

His letter added: "We would urge you to do all you can to ensure the changes do not go forward in the form outlined."