§ Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to reduce the time gap between a planning appeal and the hearing of that appeal.
§ Mr. Graham PageUrgent attention is being given both to the procedures adopted within the Department and the need to reinforce the inspectorate. Local planning authorities and appellants are being urged to accept arrangements for inquiries that are convenient for the efficient deployment of inspectors and discussions are to open on 25th May with276W the local authority associations and others concerned about quickening both planning application and appeal procedures.