HC Deb 02 December 1985 vol 88 c55W
Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy that local planning decisions taken by local authorities are overturned by his Department only in exceptional circumstances.

Mr. Tracey

Appeals against decisions on planning applications can be decided by the Secretary of State only in accordance with the provisions of section 36(5) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1971, that is, inter alia, having regard to the provisions of the development plan, so far as relevant to the appeal, and to any other material considerations.