§ Mr. David Watkinsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will recommend to planning authorities that occupants of houses adjoining buildings for which development applications are made should be notified individually of such applications and advised of their rights;
(2) if he will issue guidance to local planning authorities about the rights of objectors to development proposals made by neighbours.
§ Mr. OakesWhile there is no statutory requirement to notify neighbours about planning applications, in practice many local planning authorities already do so. Indeed, local planning authorities are free to arrange whatever publicity they think appropriate for any particular application. Detailed guidance on the794W various forms of publicity they should consider in this respect has already been given in DOE Circular 71/73. Neighbours may make representations about any planning application which they think may affect them.