Mr. Robert AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what guidance he gives to local authorities as to the legitimacy of planning decisions made when councillors taking part in the decision-making process had acted contrary to the common law principles of natural justice; [27022]
(2) what guidance he gives to local authorities as to the legitimacy of planning decisions made when councillors taking part in the decision-making process had acted contrary to guidance contained in DOE circular 8/90 "The National Code of Local Government Conduct". [27021]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordPlanning policy guidance note 1 advises on the approach which decision makers should take when considering planning applications. In addition, a copy of the 1993 report, "Enquiry into the Planning System in North Cornwall District", was sent by this 249W Department to all English planning authorities. This gives advice on the need to follow proper procedures when dealing with planning applications and contains a summary of the sanctions available to the Secretary of State and others where national policy guidance is ignored.