§ Mr. Thorpeasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what steps he is taking to ensure that local authorities deal with and determine planning applications promptly; and what plans he has to expedite the determination of planning appeals by his Department.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonMost planning applications are dealt with by local planning authorities within the statutory period of two months (three months for applications affecting trunk roads). However, a Management Study on Development Control, commissioned jointly by my right hon. Friend and the local52W authority associations, has made a number of recommendations for improving performance. Some of these were implemented in the Town and Country Planning Act 1968. Others are being considered in the current review of subordinate legislation and discussions with the local authority associations on the remainder are proceeding. The 1968 Act provides for the transfer of certain classes of appeals to Inspectors for determination. I am confident that this will expedite the process of settling those appeals and ultimately lead to a general improvement.