§ 19. Mr. Kennedyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will introduce measures to expedite the progress of planning applications; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AncramWe have already taken a number of steps to speed up the processing of planning applications and we are fully aware of the need to ensure that new developments are not unduly delayed. The Scottish Development Department issued a circular in July 1985236W advising planning authorities on improving the efficiency of their handling of planning applications. The Housing and Planning Act 1986 contains provision for the establishment of simplified planning zones; these will enable planning authorities to specify types of development allowed in an area so that developers may then undertake such development without the need for a planning application. The Act also includes power for my right hon. and learned Friend to prescribe a timetable to speed up planning appeals which are dealt with by written submissions. Other initiatives outlined in the Government's response to the fifth report from the Environment Committee, session 1985–86, entitled "Planning: Appeals, Call-In and Major Public Inquiries" (CM 43: December 1986), to improve the efficiency of the planning system in England will in general he matched by initiatives in Scotland appropriate to Scottish circumstances.