§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What evidence they have to show that the 28 days a year planning rule, under which many sporting events take place, is not operating satisfactory. [HL3704]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonThe department commissioned some research in February 2000, which included an investigation of the impact of provisions relating to the temporary use of land. It addressed matters such as impact on local amenity and the environment, for example in terms of litter, noise and relationships with other land uses in the area. The report was published on 12 September 2001. The department has also received correspondence from Members of Parliament, local planning authorities and members of the public about concerns arising from the temporary use provisions. The principal concerns relate to increased traffic, noise and litter.
We issued on 24 January 2002 a consultation paper on possible options for change to the current temporary use provisions. The paper puts forward six options for possible change as well as inviting proposals for alternative options. The closing date for responses is 24 April 2002. The department will consider the way forward in the light of the responses received.