§ Mr. Michael Forsythasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he made of the effect on the time taken to handle other planning applications when he advised local authorities that they should treat applications for planning permission to display balloon advertisements as a top priority.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneMy right hon. Friend has not yet issued this advice to local planning authorities; but he has expressed an intention to do so shortly, when balloon advertisements are brought within the scope of the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations. It is not anticipated that there would be any consequential delay in dealing with applications for planning permission because the number of advertisement applications relating to balloon advertising is likely to be small, at any one time, in each local planning authority's area.
§ Mr. Michael Forsythasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what criteria he took into account in reaching his decision on whether advertisements on captive balloons should require planning permission; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. MacfarlaneMy right hon. Friend took account of the criteria specified in section 63 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1971, namely, the extent to which this type of advertisement should be restricted or regulated "in the interests of amenity or public safety". My right hon. Friend has also taken account of comments made in response to a consultation paper circulated by his predecessor in October 1982, of the many representations he has had from hon. Members in favour of a "deemed consent" for balloon advertisements, and of discussions with his ministerial colleagues. At present my right hon. Friend has nothing to add to his Department's press notice No. 429, issued on 10 October.