To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what recent representations he has received on facilitating planning applications for waste facilities; and if he will make a statement. (284637)

This Department has received representations from the Environmental Services Association in relation to the Killian Pretty review on land use planning. Positive planning has an important role in delivering sustainable waste management through the development of appropriate strategies for growth, regeneration and the prudent use of resources; and by providing sufficient opportunities for new waste management facilities of the right type, in the right place and at the right time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when he plans to decide on the request from 20 parish councils of 9 January 2009 that he call in the planning application for the construction of an energy from waste facility at Ardley in Oxfordshire. (284642)

Oxfordshire county council has confirmed that the application will be referred to the Secretary of State under the Departures Direction if their Members resolve to approve planning permission. Oxfordshire county council advises that the application is not expected to be considered by Members until September at the earliest.

The Secretary of State will consider all the information, including all representations, such as those received from the 20 parish councils, if the application is referred to him by the local planning authority.