Local government supremo Stephen Byers has launched a scathing attack on Britain's planning system branding it a &amp;"banquet for barristers&amp;". <p></p><p>Paving the way for a radical review in the forthcoming Planning Green Paper, the minister told independent think-tank, the Institute of Public Policy Research, that soaring costs and delays incurred by the current multi-tiered system would be swept away.</p><p> &amp;"Our planning system is now over 50 years old. It needs a radical overhaul,&amp;" he said. </p><p>&amp;"Too many planning public enquiries are complex and technical with debate dominated by highly-paid lawyers. Our aim must be a system which is efficient and open. </p><p>&amp;"If the system is broke - and quite a few people seem to think it is - then we have got to fix it.&amp;" </p><p>To ensure local authorities comply, the minister hinted planning departments might face regular audits of their performance. </p><p>But he stressed that the new system would strengthen rather than kill off the right to oppose plans. </p><p>&amp;"An effective and sensitive planning process can ensure that individuals and communities can engage on equal terms and be able to voice their concerns. Our aim must be a system which is efficient and open and which has the renewal …