HC Deb 27 July 1998 vol 317 c16W
Mr. Lansley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what target he sets for the length of time he takes to reach a decision after receipt of an inspector's report on a planning inquiry. [52398]

Mr. Raynsford

Where the Secretary of State takes the decision on appeals, he aims to decide 80 per cent. of cases within eight weeks of receiving the Inspector's report. This is stated in paragraph 59 of Planning Policy Guidance Note 1, 'General Policy and Principles'. In those cases where the Secretary of State calls in applications for planning permission, he aims to issue 80 per cent. of decisions within 13 weeks of receipt of the Inspector's report.