HC Deb 26 July 1976 vol 916 cc56-7W
Mr. Clegg

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the average length of time taken for a decision to be reached after a planning appeal; and whether he is satisfied with the present time scale.

Mr. John Silkin

For planning appeals decided in June 1976 the average times were as follows:

  • 54 weeks in cases decided by the Secretary of State following a local inquiry.
  • 47 weeks in cases decided by the Secretary of State by written representations.
  • 29 weeks in cases decided by inspectors following a local inquiry.
  • 23 weeks in cases decided by inspectors by written representations.

These figures represent a substantial improvement in performance over the recent past, which I hope will be maintained.