To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what representations he has received on the procedure by which appeals against a decision by a local authority to refuse an advertisement application are considered by the Planning Inspectorate in accordance with the advertisement regulations and without taking into account the planning policies of the relevant local authority; and if he will make a statement. (294364)

The Secretary of State has received representations from the Chair of Birmingham City Council's Planning Committee through correspondence from the right hon. Member for Birmingham, Ladywood (Clare Short) and the hon. Member for Birmingham, Erdington (Mr. Simon). In considering an advertisement appeal an Inspector from the Planning Inspectorate would have regard to all the evidence presented, including any relevant policies in the development plan of a local authority.