§ 3. Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what was the period of delay prior to the hearing of an appeal in respect of planning permission sought by the Littlesea Estates Company of Weymouth; on what date that appeal was heard; and whether the decision has yet been issued.
§ The Minister of State, Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Mr. Niall MacDermot)As the hon. Member 224 has already been informed by letter, dates for an inquiry into this enforcement appeal, received in April 1966, were offered for July, but not accepted. The inquiry was held on 7th, 14th and 15th December, 1966, and adjourned by agreement until 5th and 6h April, 1967, because of the illness of a witness. The decision was issued on 3rd November.
§ Mr. KingI thank the hon. and learned Gentleman for that. Then the decision has been reached after I raised the matter. Does not this case highlight the inordinate delays that are taking place, both among local authorities and at the Ministry, in planning matters on appeal?
§ Mr. MacDermotThe reasons for the delay in this case were exceptional. It was a very intricate case. On the general proposition, I would agree with the hon. Gentleman. We have in the White Paper published our proposals, and will shortly be laying a Bill before the House to deal with the matter.