HC Deb 15 March 1988 vol 129 cc511-2W
Mr. Thurnham

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment on how many occasions during the latest 12 months for which figures are available he overruled his inspector's advice on planning appeals; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waldegrave

In 1987 the Secretary of State made 26 decisions on planning appeals contrary to the inspectors' recommendation, following a public inquiry.