§ Mr. Nicholas Bakerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will consider introducing a right for objectors to a planning application to have the right to appeal on a matter of substance against a planning decision.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneWe have no plans to introduce a right of appeal for objectors to a planning application. The views of objectors must be taken fully into account, along with all other material considerations, by a local planning authority when it makes its decision. A right of appeal for objectors would put a proposed development in jeopardy for a further period, and this delay and uncertainty would be likely to inhibit or even deter investment.