§ Sir Sydney ChapmanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to change the law relating to town and country planning. [138961]
§ Mr. RaynsfordWe are undertaking a comprehensive programme to modernise the town and country planning system and update planning policies. New regulations have been introduced, for example in relation to the development plans process and planning appeals procedures. However, we have no immediate plans to introduce new primary legislation, though we remain committed to removing Crown immunity from planning control and have confirmed in the Urban White Paper that we intend to bring forward new legislation to reform the system of compulsory purchase as soon as Parliamentary time allows.