§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister on how many occasions Articles(a) 4(1) and (b) 4(2) of the Permitted Development Order have been invoked by local authorities in Devon in each of the last three years in relation to telecommunications masts and telecommunications towers; and how many were approved by the Secretary of State to protect an interest of acknowledged importance. [102037]
§ Mr. McNultyThe Office of the Deputy Prime Minister knows of no Article 4 Directions issued by Devon local authorities on these types of development over the last three years. None have been sent to my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister for confirmation.
§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will discuss with Network Rail the location of the telecommunications mast planned to be erected in front of a historic monument in Totnes. [102038]
§ Mr. McNultyRailway undertakers have permitted development rights for development on their operational land, required in connection with the movement of traffic by rail. If, however, the local planning authority believe that such development should not take place without specific planning permission, it is open to them to apply to my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister for approval of a direction under Article 4 of the General Permitted Development Order.