§ Mr. HawkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he intends to review the permitted development rights granted in the Town and Country Planning General Development Order 1988 in relation to environmental assessment; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungYes. We are committed to ensuring that all projects which could have significant environ-mental effects are thoroughly assessed by planning authorities before going forward. The Town and Country Planning (Assessment of Environmental Effects) Regulations 1988 already secures this for projects which156W require a planning permission. But certain minor classes of development defined in the General Development Order do not presently require a specific planning application and this may require amendment.
A consultation paper will shortly be issued with proposals for such amendments on which the views of industry, the public and planning authorities will be sought.