Open Spaces (Development)

HC Deb 21 October 1988 vol 138 cc1032-3W

Mr. Coy

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to ensure that all costs of planning appeals for development of green belt or urban open space land should be borne by the developer and not by the ratepayer.

Mr. Chope

The parties to a planning appeal normally meet their own expenses. Awards of costs at a public inquiry can, however, be made on grounds of unreasonable behaviour.