§ Mr. McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about the operation of the present planning appeal system.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe planning appeals system is generally well regarded by appellants, but hon. Members and others are rightly concerned about delays in reaching decisions in many cases.
The number of appeals has risen by some 60 per cent., from 13,700 in 1983–84 to an estimated 22,000 in 1987–88. The main factors in this increase appear to be the increase in the proportion of planning applications refused by local planning authorities and, lately an increase in the volume of applications.
In order to deal with the volume of appeals and reduce decision times, we have increased the number of inspectors and administrative staff; and are introducing new procedures and information technology.