HC Deb 05 March 1987 vol 111 cc650-1W
Sir Julian Ridsdale

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he takes any steps in reaching a decision over a planning appeal to inform himself as to whether the recommendation comes to him as a result of a unanimous decision by the local planning authority.

Mr. Waldegrave

Planning appeals are decided having regard to the provisions of the development plan, so far as material to the proposal, and to any other material considerations. Representations by the parties and other interested persons are taken into account so far as they refer to considerations which are material. The unanimity or otherwise of the local planning authority's decision is not relevant to the weight to be attached to the local authority's representations.