HC Deb 20 July 1988 vol 137 c681W
43. Mr. Cran

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what measures he proposes to take to encourage local authorities to comply with the recommendations contained in the draft planning policy guidance note on local plans.

Mr. Waldegrave

I believe that local planning authorities will see the value of preparing statutory local plans for their areas: development control decisions taken in accordance with such plans are generally less susceptible to successful challenge. As the draft guidance note makes clear, where there is an up-to-date local plan, together with properly substantiated reasons for the local authority's decision, my right hon. Friend and his inspectors will be guided by it in dealing with planning appeals.