§ Mr. PawseyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultations are taking place, and with whom, on potential changes to planning legislation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HowardIn January my right hon. Friend published a White Paper on the future of development plans. In March he consulted interested bodies about proposed improvements to land compensation and compulsory purchase legislation, and about possible changes to the enforcement of planning control arising from the report of Mr. Robert Carnwath, QC.
The Department is also currently inviting views on the following consultation papers:
Final date for comments Permitted use rights in the countryside 30 June Planning application forms 31 May Review of Special Industrial Use Classes (B3 to B7) Compulsory purchase by public authorities 14 July (Inquiries Procedure) rules 21 June Planning control over hazardous substances 17 July In addition, my right hon. Friend is currently undertaking on behalf of the Law Commission a limited consultation with organisations with an interest in the proposed consolidation of the Planning Acts. Consolidation is a clarifying exercise and entails only minor changes and improvements to the existing statutes.