§ Mr. David HeathTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of planning appeals in 2000 were determined by(a) a written inquiry, (b) a full inquiry lasting less than two days and (c) a full inquiry lasting more than two days; and what the average cost of an inquiry was in each category. [147441]
§ Ms Beverley HughesFigures are listed for the three appeals procedures. Hearings do not normally take longer than one day.
Year 2000 Total number Percentage of number decided Planning appeals1 received 14,962 — Planning appeals decided 12,602 — by written representations 9,197 73 by hearings 2,573 20 by inquiries (2 days or less) 626 5 by inquiries (more than 2 days) 206 2 1Appeals under s.78 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. The following unit costs have been calculated by the Planning Inspectorate in each category for the financial year ending 31 March 2000. (Figures for the calendar year 2000 are not readily available).
£ Planning appeals determined by Average unit cost Written representations 1,047 Hearing 2,135 Inquiry 5,618