§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what criteria are used to determine that a planning application referred to his Department is of no more than local concern.
§ Mr. AtkinsIn general, planning applications are called in for decision by my right hon. Friend only if planning issues of more than local significance are involved. Such cases may include, for example, those which, in my right hon. Friend's opinion, could have wide effects beyond their immediate locality, give rise to substantial regional or national controversy, may conflict with national policy on important matters, and those where the interests of national security or of foreign Governments may be involved.
§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list those planning applications which he has called in during the past 12 months which have been determined as being of more than local concern.
§ Mr. AtkinsInformation in the form requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the use of deemed planning consent.
§ Mr. AtkinsI refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Planning to my hon. Friend the Member for Waveney (Mr. Porter) on 25 July,Official Report, column 372.