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Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications and Deemed Applications) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2006

My Lords, I do not normally speak about planning in England, but I have been briefed by my noble friend Lady Scott of Needham Market. I came here with quite a few questions but, unfortunately, the noble Baroness has already answered them, which will save a bit of time. This idea has gestated over the years, and it is certainly needed, as local authorities have increased responsibilities. Back in Scotland, an open cast mining site near my home has gone bust—or perhaps I should say that it has been sequestrated—so it is as well that the local authority insisted on a bond for its restoration. But that has been slowed up. I was going to ask whether each complaint made to the planning authority will lead to yet another fee, but I now fully understand that that will not be the case. The only merit of that would have been as a huge incentive to run the site properly. However, we on these Benches are satisfied by these regulations. On Question, Motion agreed to.