§ Mr. Peter Millsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what guidance can be given to local planning authorities to assist them in maintaining local standards of environmental control when Circular 80/71 does not make the acceptance of such conditions mandatory for Government Departments.
§ Mr. John SilkinThe same planning considerations apply to the development proposals of Government Departments as to proposals by anyone else. Circular 80/71 provides a non-statutory procedure whereby local planning authorities are consulted on developments proposed by Government Departments and so ensures that local planning considerations are taken fully into account.
§ Mr. Peter Millsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if the Government will introduce legislation to enable local planning authorities to enforce conditions of approval on Government Departments in the same manner as pertaining to other applicants.
§ Mr. John SilkinNo. In accordance with Circular 80/71, it is already the position that Government Departments do not carry out development against the wishes of the local planning authority without first bringing the matter to my Department for decision.