HC Deb 22 February 1999 vol 326 cc68-9W
Mr. Chaytor

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will make a statement clarifying the relationship between Local Agenda 21 strategies and the planning process; [72053]

  1. (2) what plans he has to ensure that local authorities' Local Agenda 21 strategies are integrated with unitary development plans; [72047]
  2. (3) what representations he has received from local authorities about the legal status of Local Agenda 21 strategies in the determination of local planning applications. [72052]

Mr. Raynsford

Section 54A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 requires that planning applications are determined in accordance with the statutory development plan for the area, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Local planning authorities are required to have regard to national and regional planning guidance when preparing their development plans. National and local strategies, including Local Agenda 21 strategies, may also inform the plan preparation process to the extent that they have a bearing on land use planning matters. Such strategies may also relate to matters which are, or which are capable of being, material considerations to be weighed when local planning authorities take decisions on individual planning applications. Local Agenda 21 strategies do not, however, form part of the statutory planning system.

The Local Agenda 21 process is a useful means of engaging members of the public in identifying ideas, issues and interests which can add value in shaping development plan policies and proposals.

Mr. Chaytor

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will indicate(a) how many and (b) what proportion of local authorities have adopted Local Agenda 21 strategies. [72055]

Mr. Meale

The most recent survey of Local Agenda 21 activity in the UK was carried out in autumn 1998 by the Local Government Management Board. Of the authorities who responded 129 (35 per cent.) had produced Local Agenda 21 strategies. A further 187 (52 per cent.) were committed to producing a strategy by December 2000 to meet the Prime Minister's target.

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