HC Deb 08 May 1973 vol 856 cc66-7W
Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether a "direction" by a divisional road engineer, or other officer of his Department, to a local planning authority to refuse a planning permission is advisory or mandatory; and whether a planning authority is at liberty to grant a planning application notwithstanding such a "direction".

Mr. Graham Page

Under Article 10 of the Town and Country Planning General Development Order 1973, the Secretary of State may give directions restricting the grant of permission by a local planning authority, either indefinitely or during such periods as may be specified in the directions. Planning authorities are required, by the order, to deal with applications in a way which gives effect to the terms of any direction.