§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish his Department's advice on the procedures for calling in a planning application. [141739]
§ Ms Beverley HughesMy right hon. Friend's general approach, like that of previous Secretaries of State, is not to interfere with the jurisdiction of local planning authorities unless it is necessary to do so. Parliament has entrusted them with responsibility for day-to-day planning control in their areas. It is right that, in general, they should be free to carry out their duties responsibly, with the minimum of interference.
There will be occasions, however, when my right hon. Friend may consider it necessary to call in the planning application to determine himself, instead of leaving the decision to the local planning authority.
His policy is to be very selective about calling in planning applications. He will, in general, take this step only if planning issues of more than local importance are involved. Such cases may include, for example, those which, in his opinion:
- may conflict with national policies on important matters;
- could have significant effects beyond their immediate locality;
- give rise to substantial regional or national controversy;
- raise significant architectural and urban design issues; or
- may involve the interests of national security or of foreign Governments.
However, each case will continue to be considered on its individual merits.
Call in procedure follows section 77 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the Town and Country Planning (Inquiries Procedure) (England) Rules 2000 (SI No. 1624). Further guidance is available in DETR Circular 5/2000.