§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what criteria are used when deciding whether or not revocation or discontinuance orders should be made in respect of planning permissions which give rise to conflict with national policy on nature conservation;
(2) what guidance is available to local planning authorities on the use of revocation or discontinuance powers in cases where planning permission affects important nature conservation interests.
§ Mr. Michael Spicer[holding answer 7 March 1990]: The Government's policy on the use of powers to revoke planning permission was given in reply to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Gainsborough and Horncastle (Mr. Leigh) by my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Folkestone and Hythe (Mr. Howard), then Minister for Housing and Planning, on 20 December 1989, Official Report, columns 329–30.
Guidance on the use of discontinuance orders is given in planning policy guidance note 1 (PPG1), "General Policy and Principles", a copy of which is in the Library. Discontinuance orders and opposed revocation orders require the confirmation of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.