§ Paddy TippingTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions in the last year for which figures are available how many planning applications(a) were decided by local authorities, (b) went to appeal and (c) were dealt with at a public inquiry. [17354]
§ Ms KeebleIn 2000–01, 420,000 applications for planning permission were decided in England. This resulted in 14,100 appeals against refusal or against conditions imposed in granting a permission, of which 1,400 were subsequently withdrawn. As of today's date 12,200 of the remaining appeals have been decided and 540 (4 per cent.) were decided by public inquiry.
An applicant can also appeal if an authority has not decided the application within eight weeks of its being submitted, or a longer period if agreed by both parties in writing. In 2000–01, there were 1,600 appeals against non-determination of planning applications, of which 628W 560 were withdrawn. Of the remaining appeals, 930 have been decided and 220 (24 per cent.) were decided by public local inquiry.