Written question asked by Iain Wright (Labour) on Wednesday, 30 June 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 5 July 2010. It was answered by Greg Clark (Conservative) on Wednesday, 7 July 2010 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Infrastructure Planning Commission

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 29 June 2010, Official Report, columns 35-6WS, on planning reform, what mechanisms he plans to put in place to ensure that no application lodged with the Infrastructure Planning Commission will take longer to consider under the (a) transition and (b) new arrangements than under the current system.

Answer: During the transitional period before new legislation can be brought into effect, the existing provisions of the Planning Act 2008 which set the timetable for the examination, recommendations and decision making functions, will continue to apply.We intend that the new arrangements will also include a statutory timetable for these functions, which allows no longer than is currently permitted for them to be carried out.In addition, by requiring National Planning Statements to be ratified by Parliament, the scope for judicial review of planning decisions for major infrastructure projects will be reduced.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 5994; 513 c258W
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Planning Reform
Tuesday, 29 June 2010
Written statements
House of Commons
Subjects: Infrastructure Planning Commission
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk