Written question asked by Evan Harris (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 4 November 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 November 1998. It was answered by Nick Raynsford (Labour) on Monday, 9 November 1998 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what responsibilities for environmental protection and what requirements to have regard for greenbelt policies were inherited by Railtrack from British Rail with regard to permitted development rights.

Answer: Dr. Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what responsibilities for environmental protection and what requirements to have regard for greenbelt policies were inherited by Railtrack from British Rail with regard to permitted development rights. [58998] Mr. Raynsford: There were no specific responsibilities of this kind. It is the responsibility of the local planning authority to decide whether to withdraw certain permitted development rights where permitted developments are likely to have significant effects on the environment. I would refer the hon. Member to my earlier answers to questions 58997 and 59000.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 58998; 319 c22W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: British Rail Environment protection Land use Green belt Railtrack Permitted development rights