HC Deb 07 March 1973 vol 852 cc402-3
24. Mr. Sydney Chapman

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the progress being made in reducing the time taken by local planning authorities in deciding planning applications and by himself in giving decisions on planning appeals; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Rippon

Over the past two years there has been a sharp increase in the number of planning applications. Despite this, most authorities are still giving decisions on the majority of applications within the two-month period. Discussions with the local authority associations are in progress to establish what further action can be taken with regard to both applications and appeals.

Mr. Chapman

While welcoming that answer and the measures that my right hon. and learned Friend has taken and is taking to expedite decisions on planning appeals, may I ask him to consider what many people who have to deal with planning applications are increasingly realising are unnecessary delays by far too many officers of some local planning authorities, who are delaying, over minor details, decisions on planning applications? Does he not agree that a much more positive approach, within good planning policies, should be understood by these officers?

Mr. Rippon

That may well be so, and I am considering what further advice can be given to local planning authorities on how to deal with these matters.

Mr. Loughlin

What percentage of planning appeals relate to rural authorities or rural areas? Would it not be a good idea if the Secretary of State prepared some guidance notes to county councils in dealing with rural applications for planning permission, so that county planners do not apply urban planning principles to rural areas?

Mr. Rippon

I cannot give the breakdown of figures which the hon. Gentleman requests. If he puts down a Question, I do not know whether I shall be able to do so. But certainly a planning authority must consider the merits of planning applications in relation to the needs of its own areas.

Mr. Edwin Wainwright

Will the Secretary of State give special priority to those areas where unemployment is high, so that planning can go forward and jobs be found where they are badly needed?

Mr. Rippon

One must deal with planning applications on their merits, and the primary responsibility rests with the local planning authorities. Where there are difficulties, cases can, of course, be raised on appeal.