§ Mrs. Ann CryerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will instruct the Planning Inspectorate Executive Agency to delay the hearing into the appeal by Taywood Homes against Bradford metropolitan district council's decision to refuse permission for a development at Swine lane, Riddlesdon, until all parties are able to be present. [45810]
56W
§ Mr. RaynsfordThe administration of planning appeals is the responsibility of the Planning Inspectorate Executive Agency and I do not propose to intervene in this matter. I have asked the Inspectorate's Chief Executive, Mr. Chris Shepley, to write to my hon. Friend.
Letter from Chris Shepley to Mrs. Ann Cryer, dated 15 June 1998:
The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking whether he would instruct the Planning Inspectorate to delay the public local inquiry which is due to open on 11 August into the appeal by Taywood Homes for residential development at Swine Lane, Riddlesden. I have also been passed your letter of 20 May to Nick Raynsford, enclosing this correspondence from your constituents, Ms Christine Brown, Mr. E. A. Denton and the Aire Valley Conservation Society.The Government is committed to ensuring that appeals are decided with the maximum practicable speed and efficiency. It is for this reason that on 24 March the Inspectorate, after receiving the written agreement of the local planning authority, confirmed arrangements for the earliest possible inquiry date, ie 11 August.We are not inflexible in these matters and are always willing to rearrange a local inquiry when it can be shown that there would otherwise be a breach of the requirements of natural justice. I have to say, however, that the fact that some of your constituents may be unable to attend on a particular date does not, by itself, amount to such a breach. It is an argument that could frequently be advanced and, if accepted, would lead to substantial delays in the planning system.I have considered most carefully your request for a postponement of the inquiry, but regret to say that I am not satisfied that it is justified in all the circumstances. For anyone unable to attend the inquiry the Inspector will be able to take account of any written representations received before the inquiry. The Inspector will also be able to allow representatives to appear at the inquiry on behalf of a particular group (or groups) of interested persons.In view of your interest, I will see that you are notified of the outcome of the appeal.