Planning Applications

Sir Irvine Patnick
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the total number of planning applications for each of the last five years; how many in each year have been called in; if he will express those called in as percentage of the total number each year; what criteria are used for calling in by his Department; and if he will make a statement. [4087]

Mr. Robert B. Jones
The information requested is as follows (England figures):---------
|       |
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|1990–91|
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|1991–92|
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|1992–93|
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|1993–94|
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|1994–95|
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My right hon. Friend's policy for calling in planning applications is set out in the reply he gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Beckenham (Mr. Merchant) on 26 January 1995,

Official Report, columns 314–15.

Sir Irvine Patnick
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what guidelines his Department has issued to local authorities to ensure full public awareness of planning applications lodged; and if he will make a statement. [4085]

Mr. Jones
Advice to local authorities on publicising planning applications is given in the Department's circular 15/92.