§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation compelling a local planning authority to consult with neighbouring authorities whenever their amenities, or well-being, are likely to be affected and to enable him in such circumstances to grant, where he deems it justified, the neighbouring authorities an equal say in the planning permission; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Graham PageThe Town and Country Planning (General Development) Orders require local planning authorities to consult a neighbouring planning authority before granting permission for development likely to affect land in the area of the latter. They must take into account any representations received within a specified period. Where an appeal is made to my right hon. Friend about development affecting land in the area of a neighbouring planning authority, he ensures that the views of both authorities are taken into account. I do not think it practicable to give two authorities an equal say in the handling of a single matter. In the exceptional case my right hon. Friend could exercise his power to call an application in for his decision.