§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether a planning application which concerns land falling within more than one local planning authority's area constitutes one of more than local importance.
§ Mr. MoynihanNot necessarily. In any event, a development proposal falling in the area of more than one local planning authority would require more than one planning application.
§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) whether a planning application which gives rise to objections on the ground that an European Community directive or international treaty is likely to be breached constitutes one which raises issues of greater than local importance in the context of criteria for call-in of planning applications under section 35 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1971;
(2) whether a planning application which gives rise to objections on the ground that an European Community directive or international treaty might be breached constitutes one where the interests of foreign Governments are involved.
§ Mr. MoynihanWhether to call in a planning application for the Secretary of State's decision is a matter of judgment to be exercised in each case against the criteria to which the hon. Lady refers.
§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) whether a planning application which threatens irreversible damage to all or part of a site of special scientific interest constitutes one which might conflict with national policy on important matters;
(2) whether a planning application which threatens irreversible damage to all or part of a site of special scientific interest constitutes one which raises issues of greater than local importance in the context of criteria for call-in of planning applications under section 35 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1971.
§ Mr. MoynihanSuch a threat might conflict with national policy on an important matter, and would be a material consideration in deciding whether to call in a
394Wassociations direct from builders. However, this was not a normal procurement method for associations in years before 1989–90.
The figures relate to Housing Corporation-supported housing association activity only. Housing associations also receive support from local authorities but comparable figures for that sector are not available.
planning application. The scale of the proposal and the extent of its effect on the site would also be relevant considerations.
§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether national planning policies relating to the determination of planning applications affecting sites of special scientific interest apply within the geographical area known as the Serplan East Thames Corridor Initiative.
§ Mr. MoynihanYes.