§ 67. Rear-Admiral Morgan-Gilesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what measures he intends to reduce delays on planning appeals.
§ Mr. John SilkinThe number of planning appeals coming into the Department in the past two years has almost doubled. In order to reduce delays my right hon. Friend is continuing to recruit more Inspectors and to encourage the maximum use of the written representations procedure. He is also examining the scope for improving the planning appeals system in the light of the recommendations in Mr. George Dobry's interim report on the review of the development control system.
§ 73. Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Secretary of State for the Environment on what date Mr. J. C. Holmes of Swanage appealed to him against the refusal of consent to build a bungalow; on what date the decision was reversed on appeal; how long this was after his original application for consent; and if he will take steps to ensure that delays of this character are diminished.
§ Mr. John SilkinMr. J. C. Holmes appealed to the Secretary of State on 24th October 1972. The decision allowing his appeal was issued on 20th November 1973, some nineteen and a half months364W after the date of his application for planning permission. With regard to the final part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given today to the hon. and gallant Member for Winchester (Rear-Admiral Morgan-Giles).