§ Mr. Whitneyasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has any proposals for streamlining the powers of highway authorities in relation to planning applications.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWe have been reviewing our powers in this field and have come to the conclusion that they go beyond what is necessary for the protection of the trunk road network from harmful development. I have today circulated a consultation paper to the local authority associations and other interested bodies seeking their views on proposals for changes in these powers, to be followed by corresponding changes in the powers of local highway authorities as soon as a suitable legislative opportunity arises. My aim is to achieve further reduction in bureaucracy and in delays in the development control process, whilst protecting essential standards of road safety and traffic flow. I have placed a copy of the paper in the Library.