HC Deb 25 March 2002 vol 382 c671W
Mrs. May

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will set out the criteria used in deciding whether to call in the planning application for(a) redevelopment of Odsal Stadium and (b) a new stadium for Arsenal Football Club. [45477]

Mr. Byers

My general approach, like that of previous Secretaries of State, is not to interfere with the jurisdiction of local planning authorities unless it is necessary to do so. Parliament has entrusted them with responsibility for day-to-day planning control in their areas. Local planning authorities are normally best placed to make decisions relating to their areas and it is right that, in general, they should be free to carry out their duties responsibly, with the minimum of interference.

There will be occasions, however, when I may consider it necessary to call in a planning application to determine myself instead of leaving it to the local planning authority. My policy is to be very selective about calling in planning applications. I will, in general, only take this step if planning issues of more than local importance are involved and if those issues need to be decided by me rather than at a local level. Such cases may include, for example, those which, in my opinion:

  • may conflict with national policies on important matters;
  • could have significant effects beyond their immediate locality;
  • give rise to substantial regional or national controversy;
  • raise significant architectural and urban design issues; or
  • may involve the interests of national security or of foreign Governments.

Each case is, however, considered on its own facts.

Copies of the letters to call in (a) and not to call in (b) are on the Department's website.

Mrs. May

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what discussions he has had with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on the redevelopment of Odsal Stadium, Bradford. [45491]

Mr. Byers

I have had no discussions with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on the redevelopment of Odsal Stadium.

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