HC Deb 13 June 1995 vol 261 c486W
Mr. Mike O'Brien

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the correspondence he has received complaining about the 14-day rule which allows public events to be held on agricultural land for a maximum of 14 days in a year; and what proposals he has to reform the rule. [28170]

Sir Paul Beresford

During the period 1 January 1995 to 31 May 1995, we received eight letters from hon. Members; two from local authorities, one from a police consultative committee, one from a parish council federation and one from a residents' association. The General Permitted Development Order grants a general planning permission for a temporary change of use on land for up to 28 days a year for most activities, but for only 14 days in respect of car boot sales and motor sports. More frequent use requires a planning application. These controls strike a balance between the freedom to use land for any lawful, occasional purpose while protecting amenity. We have no plans to amend them.