§ Mr. Peter AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the consultation paper reviewing permitted development rights granted in the Town and Country General Development Order 1988 in relation to environmental assessment will be issued; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungI am pleased to announce the issue of the consultation paper today. It endorses the Government's commitment to ensuring that all projects which could have significant effects are thoroughly assessed before being allowed to go forward. The consultation paper invites comments on proposals to withdraw permitted development rights for projects listed in schedule 2 to the Town and Country Planning (Assessment of Environmental Effects) Regulations 1988 where they are likely to have such effects.
The consultation paper will also invite views on the Government's intention to withdraw permitted development rights where a proposed development is likely to have a significant effect on a special protection area designated under the birds directive (EC directive 79/409), or a special area of conservation designated under the habitats directive (EC directive 92/43).