§ 11. Mr. Simsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what guidance he gives to his inspectors as to the weight they should give to local representations in respect of planning appeals.
§ Mr. TraceyIn the light of the Department's published guidance on policy, it is for the inspector to decide, in each case, what weight should be given to matters about which representations are made to him.
§ Mr. SimsHas my hon. Friend seen press reports suggesting that, in the past year or two, there has been a substantial increase in the proportion of appeals allowed by local inspectors? Certainly that is confirmed in the borough of Bromley, where, in 1983, 27 per cent. of the appeals were allowed. This year, so far, 46 per cent. of the appeals have been allowed. While I accept the desirability of some sort of appeals system, does my hon. Friend nevertheless not think that, generally speaking, local authorities are the best bodies to judge on planning matters and that to have their decisions overturned to this extent undermines the whole point of planning?
§ Mr. TraceyThe views of local people and local interests are always given considerable weight in planning matters. Sometimes the publicity given to planning matters gives an incorrect impression. In fact, 98.64 per cent. of local decisions stand.
§ Mr. Andrew MacKayIs my hon. Friend aware that there is grave concern that in recent planning appeals insufficient weight has been given to local decisions and that his answers so far will not satisfy my constituents?
§ Mr. TraceyI am well aware that my hon. Friend makes strong representations on behalf of his constituents in 1199 Berkshire. Local planning authorities and inspectors must, by law, have regard to all material considerations. One of these is, of course, the representations of the local people.
§ Mr. MeadowcroftIs there not a particular problem where a local authority is applying to itself for planning permission in relation to a large development, such as that at Leeds market, in that if it grants permission it disallows local opinion the possibility of objecting to the development thereafter? Why does the Minister not have more regard to calling in such applications rather than simply relying on the local authority to give planning permission to itself?
§ Mr. TraceyI am well aware that this point was raised with the Select Committee on the Environment. We are considering the matter, but normally a call-in is applied by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State in matters of overriding national or regional interest.