To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement outlining what redress is available to an objector whose duly submitted and duly acknowledged objection was not known to, or considered by, the relevant planning officers when making their decision on a planning application.
[holding answer 3 March 1992]: In such circumstances the objector could lodge a complaint with the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration for Northern Ireland who may carry out an investigation. The objector could also make application to the courts for leave to apply for a judicial review of the Department's decision.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the standards promised by the citizens charter and their relevance to the treatment of planning proposals and objections by the planning service, development offices and road services.
[holding answer 3 March 1992]: The citizens charter is about providing a high standard of public service. Accordingly, the Department of the Environment has adopted an objective of normally consulting district councils on planning applications within eight weeks.In determining applications, the Department considers objections and has regard to the development plan and other material considerations.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement clarifying where responsibility lies for ensuring liaison or co-ordination between the different offices and services of the Department of the Environment when they are each involved in particular development proposals.
[holding answer 3 March 1992]: Responsibility for such matters rests with the Permanent Secretary of the Department.