HC Deb 26 January 2004 vol 417 c166W
Norman Baker

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many and what percentage of planning applications rejected by planning authorities pursuant to revised PPG25 have been subsequently allowed on appeal [150873]

Keith Hill

The Environment Agency's report on the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) high-level target 12—Development and flood risk—contains details of 50 appeals in 2002–03, which had involved a sustained objection by the agency on flooding grounds. Of these, two were withdrawn by the appellant and in five cases the flooding objection was resolved before the appeal decision.

In four cases (8 per cent.), appeals for minor development were allowed contrary to advice from the Environment Agency. Six appeals (12 per cent.) were allowed with the agency's objections fully mitigated through planning conditions and 33 appeals (66 per cent.) were dismissed, 30 of which were for minor developments. 28 cases are reported as dismissed using agency advice and five as dismissed not using Agency advice. Further details are in the report, which is available on the Internet at www.environment-agency.gov.uk