§ 86. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) why it takes so long for an appeal against the planning decisions of local authorities to be heard; and what steps he is taking to expedite the hearing of such appeals;
(2) why there is a long delay between the hearing of appeals against planning decisions by local authorities and the declaration of his decision.
§ Mr. H. BrookeThe number of appeals received has risen sharply in the last few years. The 1956 figure was 6,699, compared with 3,441 in 1952. This has thrown a heavy load on to the inspectorate and other departmental staffs involved. By increasing the number of inspectors and reorganising the handling of the work, the time taken both to fix inquiries and to issue decisions after inquiries has been reduced. I am not yet34W satisfied, however, and efforts to improve the timetable will continue.
§ Mr. G. Thomasasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when his decision will be given concerning the appeal heard on 15th May, 1956, concerning a site in South Wales, details of which have been sent to him.
§ Mr. H. BrookeMy decision on this appeal has now been given.