HC Deb 27 July 1977 vol 936 cc627-8
18. Mr. Madel

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what general policy guidelines are given to planning appeal inspectors in connection with the need to give adequate regard to the effect that the granting of planning permission for residential development may have on local schools; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Guy Barnett

The only guidance given to inspectors on this matter draws their attention to the guidelines annexed to Circular 122/73, "Land Availability for Housing". The guidelines advised local authorities that when a decision on an application for planning permission for residential development turned on the availability of infrastructure, including schools, authorities should, in preference to a refusal on the ground that infrastructure was lacking, consider how and when the infrastructure might be provided.

Mr. Madel

Is the Minister aware that in counties such as Bedfordshire, where there has been continuous expensive London overspill for 20 years, the facilities for the population that was there before the overspill began have not kept pace? Since we are told that overspill is to end, a great catching-up operation is needed in those counties where most of the resources have gone on dealing with overspill. Will he bear this in mind in thinking about the rate support grant order for November, since the counties surrounding London have had this expensive overspill operation to contend with? Is he aware that, if planning inspectors are careless about the effect upon schools of allowing residential development, it could mean that the counties risk not satisfying the Department of Education and Science on the provision of adequate schooling?

Mr. Barnett

The principal grounds upon which a planning inspector needs to give a decision concern future land use. It may be right for the inspector in Bedfordshire or anywhere else to allow development to proceed and to expect improved or enlarged facilities, such as schools, to be provided for new residents. I well understand the sort of problems that arise in areas such as that of the hon. Gentleman, but inspectors must be left to consider the facts of individual cases against the background of policy contained in development plans and circulars and in the light of all material considerations.

Mr. Molloy

Will my hon. Friend ask my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to consider providing guidelines for planning appeal inspectors so that they may have regard to the efforts and endeavours of local authorities that are trying to attract industry to their areas to alleviate growing unemployment? Is he aware that these efforts are being frustrated by some planning inspectors who are returning incredible decisions and who are allowing warehouses to be built on sites that should be reserved for industry? Is he aware that this blights the prospects for job creation schemes and is contrary to the advice given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment? Will my hon. Friend look at this problem, which is particularly serious in West London?

Mr. Barnett

I recognise the importance of this point. My hon. Friend may not be aware that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State recently issued a circular—I believe it is Circular 71/77—which draws attention precisely to this point. Since it is a departmental circular, inspectors will consider it in making their decisions.