§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps he intends to take to ensure that the rights of third parties under planning legislation are compatible with Article 6(1) of the European Convention on Human Rights. [8494]
§ Ms KeebleWe do not consider that there is any need to make changes to planning legislation as it affects third parties as a result of the Human Rights Act 1998 (which incorporates provisions from the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law).
§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what guidance has been issued to local authority planning offices regarding the provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights. [7720]
§ Ms KeebleThe Department has not issued guidance. The Government's Human Rights Task Force issued core guidance on the Act for public authorities (including local authorities). In addition, the Local Government Association has produced a pocket guide "Acting on rights: a guide to the Human Rights Act", and a booklet "Deciding rights: applying the HRA to good practice in Local Authority decision making". The latter includes a fact sheet on Human Rights and planning.
§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when the review of the planning procedures is planned to commence. [8527]