COUNCILS could lose the rights to process planning applications - in a deeply controversial change to bring "competition" to the system.

The Government has launched a consultation over taking away local authorities' exclusive rights to preside over new development.

Under the change a list of nationally-approved designated independent planning inspectors, typically employed by private companies, would be able to run the rule over them.

The radical proposal has been attacked by Worcester City Council, with its elected planning chief saying it runs the risk of "shoddy work" getting the nod.

We can also reveal how the authority's top planning officer, Paul O'Connor, is expected to send a letter to the Government urging it to be ditched.

The new change has been floated in the Housing and Planning Bill and is known as Clause 43.

Mr O'Connor said: "I have a great fear you could end up having large developments being processed by large commercial companies.

"And I don't think that will do anything for the reputation of the planning system nationwide.

"We need to think about this very carefully."

Councillor Alan Amos, who chairs the city's planning committee, said: "I can see no merit in this whatsoever.

"You could get all sorts of fly-by-night operators looking at shoddy developments.

"I always regard the planning system as similar to the National Curriculum, you work towards the same standards everywhere and everyone benefits.

"There has got to democratic accountability - competition is not needed, it's ill-thought out and there's clearly all sorts of risks."

The Government says the changes would work in a similar way to building control, where people can approach a nationally-vetoed inspector and get the green light without applying to a council.

Local Government Secretary Greg Clark is keen to run a pilot scheme in various parts of the country, at his choosing, before deciding whether to roll it out everywhere.

He has not yet confirmed who would be able to get the "designated persons" status in Clause 43, but it could include alternative councils to drum up direct competition.

Housing minister Brandon Lewis has said a pilot would "test the benefits of introducing competition in the processing of planning applications".

He has also stressed the move is "not about planning decisions", which will remain with local councils even if the change comes in.

The processing stage includes advice and guidance in drawing up each application, as well as help in working towards a successful outcome.