To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether the independent Planning Commission proposed in the White Paper Planning for a Sustainable Future will have the power to close and divert public rights of way; and if she will make a statement. (149510)

As explained in chapter 5 of “Planning for a Sustainable Future” (cm 7120), we propose that within the new single unified consent regime the infrastructure planning commission would have the power to close and divert public rights of way where they are considered necessary for the development of a nationally significant infrastructure project. Consistent with existing legislation, the power would only be exercised where the commission is satisfied that alternative rights of way are being provided or the current rights of way are not needed.