§ Mr. Thomas Coxasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what criterion is used in allowing a public inquiry into planning proposals that are being opposed by local residents.
§ Mr. Graham PageWhere neither party to a planning proposal has exercised a statutory right to require a hearing or inquiry the criterion is my right hon. Friend's judgment as to whether major issues of planning policy are involved. The extent of public interest displayed may assist him in forming that judgment. But the fact that a proposal is the subject of local controversy is not in itself decisive.