§ Mr. WarrenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action is he taking to ensure that planning permission is withheld for development in locations where improvements to the railway infrastructure may be required for Channel tunnel traffic.
§ Mr. WaldegraveApplications for planning permission are, in the normal course of events, dealt with by the local planning authorities, who are required to have regard to the provisions of the development plan and to any other material considerations. My right hon. Friend becomes involved only if he calls in an application for his own decision, or if the matter is referred to him on appeal.
Proposals for the improvement of railway infrastructure would be a material consideration in deciding a planning application or appeal if they were relevant in any particular case. The weight to be given to them would depend inter alia on the likelihood that the railway proposals would be pursued.