§ Mr. BettsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) to what extent draft unitary development plans should be taken account of in determining planning decisions and appeals; [18341]
(2) what guidance he gives to (a) local authorities and (b) inspectors with delegated powers, where planning applications or appeals run counter to draft unitary development plans but are to be determined before the development plan process is finalised; [18342]
1287W(3) what action is open to local authorities where it appears that planning applications contrary to a draft unitary development plan are being submitted in an attempt to determine issues in advance of the UMP inquiry where this would have the effect of prejudging the inquiry. [18343]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordThe Department's policy is set out in paragraphs 32–34 of PPG1.
As far as possible, decisions should be taken in the light of current policies. However, it may be justifiable for a local planning authority to refuse planning permission when a development proposal raises matters that should be settled in the development plan context. The weight to be attached to a draft plan will increase as successive stages in the development plan process are reached, having regard to any conflicts with existing plans, and whether there are objections.
Prematurity cases call for careful judgment about the scale of the impact of the proposed development, and its significance in relation to the emerging development plan. The objective of our policy is to safeguard the development plan processes, while at the same time ensuring that development is not delayed without good cause.