COUNCILS are being urged to appoint a `champion' to help people make their voice heard on planning applications. The call was made by Baroness Andrews, a minister in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. She said local authorities should get a councillor or official involved in the role. She said: "Strengthening community involvement is an integral part of the Government's planning reforms. Planning shapes the places where people live and work, so it is vital they should be enabled and empowered to take an active part in that process."