§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what measures he proposes to ensure the accountability of planning decisions taken within the areas covered by the permitted development orders. [21041]
§ Mr. KynochNo such measures are necessary. There is only one permitted development order, the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Order 1992, which covers the whole of Scotland. It grants a form of general planning permission, known as permitted development, for certain types of non-controversial development which would otherwise invariably be granted planning permission. These permitted development rights are subject to various limitations and conditions to protect amenity and the environment. Some classes of permitted development, that is for agricultural and forestry buildings, are subject to a prior approval procedure which gives planning authorities the opportunity to influence matters such as siting, design and external appearance.
Provided a person is satisfied that a proposed development is permitted development there is no need to apply to the planning authority for consent and no basis for addressing the accountability of decisions not before the authority.
§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many approaches his Department has had during the last five calendar years from local authorities seeking to amend the terms of permitted development orders; and on how many occasions his Department has responded positively to these requests. [21044]
§ Mr. KynochThe Department receives numerous approaches from local authorities, and others, suggesting changes to the permitted development order and other pieces of planning legislation. Like all planning legislation, the permitted development order is kept under regular review and any suggestions for amendment are taken into account. The Department responds to all such approaches explaining what action, if any is to be taken. No record is kept of the number of these approaches.
§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what procedures are used by his Department in considering whether to renew the terms of a permitted development order. [21043]
§ Mr. KynochThe Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Order 1992 is a statutory instrument and so remains in force until it is amended or revoked by a subsequent statutory instrument. Thus, while there is no requirement to renew the order, it is kept under review and from time to time it is subject to amendment. Suggestions for change can arise from research, a policy change or ideas submitted by interested parties.
Any proposals to amend the order are normally subject to public consultation with planning authorities and a wide range of individuals and organisations representing developer, business, environmental and community interests before being implemented.
§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement listing the permitted164W development orders currently in force, the facilities these orders relate to, when they were initially enacted and when they were last reviewed by his Department. [21045]
§ Mr. KynochThere is only one order, the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Order 1992. It presently covers 71 different classes of development, which would require too much space to list here. However, a copy of the order is available in the Library. The current order came into force on 13 March 1992 and, like all planning legislation, is subject to regular review. It has been amended on several occasions since then, most recently in February 1995.