Oral Answers to Questions Debate

Full Debate: Read Full Debate

Oral Answers to Questions

Harriett Baldwin Excerpts
Thursday 15th July 2010

(13 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text
John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

Order. We cannot have these sudden interventions when not expected and not in order, however frustrated people feel—and they do.

Harriett Baldwin Portrait Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con)
- Hansard - -

22. What recent representations he has received on the effects on local authorities of the abolition of regional spatial strategies.

Greg Clark Portrait The Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government (Greg Clark)
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

I have received a large number of letters and e-mails, the vast majority of which have welcomed the end of top-down targets and the return of planning decisions to local communities so that they can shape their own areas.

Harriett Baldwin Portrait Harriett Baldwin
- Hansard - -

I thank the Minister on behalf of residents in West Worcestershire. I can assure him that councillors in my local area feel the same way. What advice would he give to them about developers who are now taking things that were rejected on the basis of the Pickles letter to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate?

Greg Clark Portrait Greg Clark
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

The Planning Inspectorate has received guidance that the policy of the Government is clear and needs to be taken into account in planning appeals.