§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister pursuant to his answer of 3 December 2002,Official Report, column 688W, on planning applications, what will happen to the planning applications not dealt with within 16 weeks from close of inquiry to decision. [86963]
§ Mr. McNultyThe Office of the Deputy Prime Minister always aims to issue a decision as soon as possible. However, the target recognises that, due to the complex nature of some cases or the impact of unforeseen circumstances, a proportion of them will not be dealt with within the 16 week period following the close of the inquiry.