To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate she has made of the number of planning applications for commercial purposes made in the last two years; and if she will encourage local authorities to reduce planning costs for small and medium-sized businesses. (270401)

The number of planning applications for commercial developments granted or refused in 2007 and 2008 was 26,000 and 23,000 respectively.

In March 2009 the Government responded to the Killian Pretty Review and identified that an early priority will be work to reduce the need for planning permission for some small scale developments by businesses and public services. Specifically, by summer 2009, we propose to consult on draft proposals to streamline information requirements for applicants. Subject to the consideration of public consultation responses, new regulations will be introduced in April 2010.

In addition, the Government have accepted the Killian Pretty finding that the national planning policy framework should be overhauled and simplified. A key aim of the forthcoming review of national planning policy is to produce a framework that is focussed on the needs of the user. In the current economic climate, these needs are likely to include reduced planning costs for small and medium-sized businesses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many planning applications were received by local planning authorities in each quarter of the last five years; and if she will make a statement. (270562)

The numbers of planning applications received by local authorities in England in each quarter of the last five years are tabled as follows: