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Public Parks

My hon. Friend shakes his head, but that information was given to the Department and to the Government office. I am sure that he will understand that I am unable to discuss specific planning cases and planning decisions, as they may be subject to review by the courts and, in that event, planning aspects of a case could still in due course come to the Secretary of State for decision on appeal. However, I can make the general point that it is the Secretary of State’s general approach not to interfere with the jurisdiction of local planning authorities unless it is necessary to do so for reasons of national importance. Local planning authorities are normally best placed to make decisions relating to their own areas, and it is right that they should be free to carry out their duties responsibly with the minimum of interference. The Government do not set standards for local authorities to follow in that regard. However, one of the things that would have been looked at would have been objections. I understand that Sport England made no objection to the proposals—