§ Lord Gainfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
What role planning conditions can play in improving the quality of development.
Lord LucasThe Government consider that the sensitive use of conditions can improve development control and enhance public confidence in the planning system. If used properly, planning conditions can play a valuable role in enhancing the quality of development.
Advice to this effect is contained in the Department of the Environment Circular 11/95 (Welsh Office 35/95) which was published today. The circular updates policy advice and guidance on the use of planning conditions. Among other things, the circular reflects guidance in planning policy guidance notes on the use of conditions in respect of transport, retail development, contaminated land, noise, and affordable housing. The circular also gives additional advice on the use of conditions in respect of design and landscape, access for disabled people, nature conservation and endangered species; and contains many more examples of "model" conditions.