§ Mr. Macfarlaneasked the Secretary of State for the: Environment if he has any plans to reduce the time taken to process planning appeals referred to his Department; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe Government stated in their response to the fifth report from the Environment Committee, Session 1985–86, "Planning: Appeals, Call-in and Major Public Inquiries" (Cm. 43) that their principal objective with respect to the planning appeals system is to achieve a sharp reduction of the time taken in normal circumstances to reach a decision in all types of appeal, but without reducing the quality of decision. Many improvements in policy and procedure have already been made to achieve this objective. Detailed reviews over the last three years have identified necessary changes in legislation, guidance and administrative practice, some of which have already been implemented. Further changes are in train.
I shall write to my hon. Friend with details of the intended acceleration in the median times for deciding the various types of case.
§ Mr. Macfarlaneasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the planning appeals currently awaiting his decision in the London and south-east region where his inspectors completed their reports in (a) September 1986, (b) October 1986, (c) November 1986, (d) December 1986 and (e) January 1987.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe following section 36 planning appeals recovered for determination by the Secretary of State are currently with the Department's Greater London and south-east regional offices.
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Inspector's report received Local planning authority Proposed development Location December 1986 New Forest Residential development Testwood House Farm, Totton Tower Hamlets 4 buildings for office and industrial use Wood Wharf, Business Park. Isle of Dogs January 1987 Bracknell Residential development Warfield Tunbridge Wells Retirement and starter homes Furnace Lane, Horsmonden Westminster Retention of blind over restaurant 23 Haymarket. SW1