HC Deb 27 July 1977 vol 936 cc361-3W
Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State the Environment on how many occa-

Mr. Fry

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the weights derived from the un-damped formulas for 1975–76, 1976–77 and 1977–78 in respect of the factor in the rate support grant distribution formula for 1977–78 for (a) people of retirement age living alone,(b) one-parent families, and (c) secondary school pupils.

Mr. Arthur Jones

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the weights derived from the un-damped formula for 1975–76, 1976–77 and 1977–78 in respect of the factor in the rate support grant distribution formula for 1977–78 for (a) people in shared households, (b) direct grant pupils under 16 years of age and (c) direct grant pupils of 16 years and over.

Mr. Guy Barnett

The factor weights at November 1976 prices in the 1977–78 distribution formula for authorities outside London are as follows:

sions district councils, county councils and his inspector having rejected a planning application have subsequently been overruled by him; what percentage of the total this represents; what are the figures for each county; and what are the figures for each of the last five years.

Mr. Guy Barnett

Following is the number and percentage of planning appeals decided in each of the last five years contrary to the recommendation of the inspector following a local inquiry:

Year Number Percentage
1972 55 4
1973 68 5
1974 71 6
1975 57 4
1976 52 4

A breakdown of these figures by counties is not available.

Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what further steps are open to a local authority or to local people, further to object to, or to challenge, a planning decision he has made, which is contrary to the wishes of the relevant local authorities and to the advice of his inspectors.

Mr. Guy Barnett

A decision given by my right hon. Friend on a planning appeal is final, but a person who is aggrieved by such a decision may challenge it on certain specified grounds in the High Court within six weeks from the date when the decision is given.

Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, when he has overruled his inspector and the local authorities concerned, as in the case of development at Hoburne, Christchurch, Dorset, he rejects the detailed plans solely on grounds of access whilst approving the principle of development, the local authority concerned may then withhold approval of access proposals, if, in its opinion, to grant them would contribute adversely to road safety and the environment of those living near by.

Mr. Guy Barnett

When considering an application for planning permission a local planning authority is required by Section 29 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1971 to have regard to the provisions of the development plan and to any other material considerations. Where a new application is made following the dismissal of an appeal the authority is expected to take account of the views expressed in the decision letter.