§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to protect the environment of areas in south-east Dorset against encroachment by development on land not thus designated and against breaches of the south-east Dorset structure plan; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungIt is for the local planning authorities, in the first instance, to have regard to the policies in the south east Dorset structure plan when 179W considering applications for development in the area. Where proposed development appears materially in conflict with the plan, the application must be referred to the Secretary of State. However, he will call in for his determination only those applications which involve issues of more than local significance. It is entirely appropriate that purely local planning issues should be determined by the responsible elected authorities.