Mr. Edward Taylorasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is now his policy in regard to the development of hypermarkets.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerMy policy is set out in Development Control Policy Note 13 of which my hon. Friend has a copy.
Mr. Edward Taylorasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many applications to develop hypermarkets 88W have been referred to him in the past two years; and how many he has approved.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerNineteen applications for store development of 50,000 sq. ft. or more as hypermarkets or similar types of large single stores with associated car parking have been referred to me for decision in the past two years, either by call-in or appeal against refusal of permission by local planning authorities. Of these, one appeal has been dismissed, seven cases—four of which were heard at one joint inquiry—are under consideration following public local inquiries and the remaining 11 are in preparation for public local inquiries.