§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on what powers British Waterways has to grant itself planning permission and to carry out works in a conservation area without being subject to the normal planning procedures. [33127]
§ Ms KeebleBritish Waterways has no powers to grant itself planning permission but does enjoy permitted development rights under Part 17 of schedule 2 to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 which enable it to carry out certain development in relation to canal or inland navigation undertakings without having to apply for planning permission.