To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether planning authorities may take into account the potential effect on (a) crime and disorder and (b) fear of crime and disorder when considering a change of use planning application to create a bail hostel. (229635)

The courts have held that public fear about the impact of a development is capable of being a material consideration in the determination of planning applications.

It is for the local authority to decide, depending on the individual circumstances of a case, how much weight is given to crime and disorder and the fear of such in the determination of a planning application.