§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has for new planning controls on electricity pylons in rural areas. [5268]
§ Mr. RaynsfordControl over the erection of electricity pylons is exercised under section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989. The Government has no plans to revise the current regime, where all but the most minor overhead electricity line developments need consent from my right hon. Friend, the President of the Board of Trade. Such applications are subject to appropriate environmental assessment regulations, and account is taken of relevant policy guidance, including Planning Policy Guidance note (PPG)7 "The Countryside—Environmental Quality and Economic and Social Development".