HC Deb 23 June 1998 vol 314 cc434-5W
Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proportion of applications for planning permission for gipsy caravan sites were granted by local planning authorities in(a) 1993–94, (b) 1994–95, (c)1995–96, (d) 1996–97 and (e) 1997–98. [46566]

Mr. Raynsford

This information is not held centrally. My Department is part-funding a two year research project by the Advisory Council for the Education of Romany and other Travellers (ACERT), to look at the success rate of Gipsy planning applications and appeals. The research is due to be completed next year.

Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to review sections 77 to 80 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. [46569]

Mr. Raynsford

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Watford (Ms Ward) on 10 June 1998,Official Report, column 574.

Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance his Department has issued to local authorities in respect of the provision and development of gipsy sites. [46570]

Mr. Raynsford

Guidance to local authorities on gipsy sites and planning is given in the Department's Circular 1/94. It aims to provide that the planning system recognises the need for accommodation consistent with gipsies' nomadic lifestyle and to reflect the importance of the plan-led nature of the planning system in relation to gipsy site provision.

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