§ Mr. Clifton-BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of whether local authorities considering planning applications that will have a direct effect on a neighbouring authority pay sufficient care and attention to the needs, costs and infrastructure of that neighbouring authority.
§ Mr. BaldryPlanning authorities are required to keep under review all matters that are expected to affect the planning of development in their area, and to take account, in consultation with the authorities concerned, of the effects for their areas of similar matters in neighbouring areas. In preparing development plans, all local planning authorities are required to consult the planning authorities for areas adjacent to the area covered by their plan proposals, and to take into account any representations made. We advise them to consult other authorities likely to be affected.
Planning applications must be decided in accordance with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. A local planning authority is required by article 18 of the Town and Country Planning General Development Order 1988 to consult the neighbouring planning authority about any application which affects land in its area.