§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to speed up the action taken against businesses which operate without planning permission. [155947]
§ Mr. RaynsfordLocal planning authorities have a wide range of discretionary enforcement powers to enable them to deal swiftly and effectively with unauthorised development that is harming amenity in the neighbourhood. Last August we announced improvements to enforcement appeal procedures which will increase their speed and efficiency. We are now preparing the necessary statutory instruments and guidance to implement the changes.