§ Mr. Clifton-BrownTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister how he intends to tackle the rise in planning refusals for residential dwellings identified by the Barker Report.[R] [144200]
§ Keith HillThe Barker Report suggests that the recent increase in refusals may have resulted from a failure on the part of some housebuilders to respond to the changed policy environment, following recent policy changes, including those set out in Planning Policy Guidance Note 3 (Housing) 2000. It is expected that the rate of refusals will decrease over time, as the policy changes are more widely understood and adopted.
The Barker Report does not identify members' actions to overturn officer recommendations as a key reason for the rise in refusals of housing applications. However, where planning permission for housing is refused by a local planning authority, applicants have a right of appeal to my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister.
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