HC Deb 10 November 2003 vol 413 cc160-1W
Mr. Lansley

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many decisions after receipt of planning inspectors' reports have been delayed for longer than(a) three, (b) six and (c) nine months in the last three years. [137705]

Keith Hill

The information requested on planning decisions was not centrally recorded in suitable format prior to April 2002, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The records held by the Government Offices only record whether cases were completed before the primary target of eight weeks and secondary target of 13 weeks or after the secondary target.

April 2000

to March

2001

April 2000

to March

2002

Total decisions (Number) 173 189
Less than the secondary target (13 weeks)

(Percentage)

58 55
Longer than the secondary target (13 weeks)

(Percentage)

42 45

However, the information requested is available for cases dealt with by Planning Central Casework Division in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minster since April 2002.

April 2002

to March 2003

April 2003

to September 2003

Total decisions 183 162
Longer than three months 32 28
Longer than six months 1 12
Longer than nine months 0 0

Mr. Lansley

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what target he sets for the length of time he takes to reach a decision after receipt of an inspector's report on a planning inquiry. [137706]

Keith Hill

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's target (shared between Planning Central Casework Division (PCCD) and the Planning Inspectorate (PINS)) is, by March 2004, to decide 80 per cent. of called in planning applications and my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister appeals within 16 weeks of the close of inquiry. Half the necessary improvement was secured in the first year.