HC Deb 20 June 1973 vol 858 cc119-21W
49. Mr. Awdry

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many inspectors are employed by him to deal with planning appeals; and whether he is satisfied that the number is adequate to deal with the backlog of appeals currently awaiting inquiries.

Mr. Tope

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many inspectors are employed by his Department to examine and decide upon local planning appeals.

Mr. Graham Page

Two hundred and two, which is an increase of over 60 per cent. during the past six months. Of those, 136 are engaged full-time on local inquiries and site visits into planning appeals. Recruitment is continuing, but the Department's ability to deal with the backlog depends not only on an adequate number being available but also on the capacity of local authorities to undertake additional appeals work.

Mr. Hardy

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the average length of time between the submission of a planning appeal and the holding of a public inquiry and between the inquiry and the announcement of the ministerial decision in the last month for which figures are available.

Mr. Graham Page

40 and 20 weeks for the appeals decided by my right hon. and learned Friend and 36 and 8 weeks for those decided by inspectors. The figures relate to appeals decided in May 1973.

Mr. Tope

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many planning appeals are awaiting a decision at the present time (a) by himself after a local inquiry, (b) by an inspector after a local inquiry, (c) by himself after written representations, and (d) by an inspector after written representations.

Mr. Graham Page

Following is the information requested:

(a) (b) (c) (d)
2,482 2,016 728 3,713

The figures relate to the position at 31st May 1973. They do not include appeals where the inquiry or site visit has been held but the decision not issued—1,898—or appeals undergoing preliminary examination or held in suspense at the request of the parties—5,564.

Mr. Tope

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the time taken to reach a decision on planning appeals; and, if not, what steps he will take to improve the situation.

Mr. Graham Page

I am aware that there are serious delays in reaching decisions on planning appeals; as to the second part of the Question I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a similar Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Hands-worth (Mr. Sydney Chapman) on 13th June.