HC Deb 26 January 1987 vol 109 cc44-5W
Mr. Heddle

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to prevent local planning authorities which have granted outline planning consent for residential development from making subsequent demands in terms of house-type design and layout, open space provision, landscape and other reserve matters outside the guidance given in circulars 22/80 and 1/85.

Mr. Waldegrave

Where a local planning authority refuses approval of reserved matters or grant approval subject to conditions or fails to make a decision within eight weeks, it is open to an aggrieved applicant to appeal to the Secretary of State. If the appeal arises from unreasonable behaviour by the local planning authority, an inquiry is held and an application for costs is made, it is possible that costs might be awarded against the authority concerned. This point will be emphasised in the forthcoming circular on award of costs in planning cases.