§ Mr. HardyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what action he is taking to ensure that the recent policy guidance in respect of out-of-town retail sites is not being avoided by planning application for such developments which are proposed under misleading descriptions; and if he will call in all such applications;
(2) what action he will take to prevent the further expansion of retail sites in South Yorkshire.
§ Mr. BaldryOur revised planning policy guidance note 6 "Town Centres and Retail Developments" sets out clear advice on the issues that local planning authorities, including development corporations, will need to take into account when considering planning applications for retail developments. Local planning authorities have adequate powers to obtain all the necessary information to enable them to make a decision. The Secretary of State expects local planning authorities to use those powers where necessary.
Local planning authorities must notify the Secretary of State, under the Town and Country Planning (Development Plans and Consultation) Direction 1992, of any applications which involve specified departures from the development plan. They are also required to notify the Secretary of State of certain proposals for retail development under the Town and Country Planning (Shopping Development) (England and Wales) (No. 2) Direction 1993. If any local authority failed to notify the Secretary of State of a planning application subject to either of these directions, its decision could well be challenged in the courts.
Proposals for the development of retail sites in South Yorkshire and elsewhere continue to be monitored under the provisions of these directions. The Secretary of State will consider calling-in any application for retail development which appears to conflict with published policy on the development of retail sites set out in planning policy guidance note 6 "Town Centres and Retail Developments" or otherwise raises issues of more than local importance.