§ Mr. Peter AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to make a decision about the removal of Crown exemption from planning legislation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CurryMy Department issued a consultation paper in November 1992 inviting comments on proposals to remove Crown exemption from the planning system. Similar consultation papers were issued by the Scottish and Welsh Offices and the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland. The principle behind these proposals was that in future all Crown bodies should be required to apply for planning permission, hazardous substances consent, listed building consent, conservation area consent, and scheduled consent in the normal way.
This principle received overwhelming support. My right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for the Environment, the Secretary of State for Wales and the Secretary of State for Scotland therefore intend to remove Crown exemption from the planning system as soon as a suitable legislative opportunity arises. My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland will introduce similar changes in Northern Ireland.
We propose to introduce minor refinements to our original proposals, in response to comments on the consultation paper. In particular, we shall seek to provide an informal appeal mechanism to deal with disputes between local planning authorities and Crown bodies in relation to alleged breaches of planning control. This remedy would be in addition to a High Court declaration.
Once implemented, these proposals will mark a significant increase in the openness and accountability of Government Departments.
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