Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Planning System

Monday 22 April 2024 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Andrew Selous asked about improving the efficiency of the planning system for large infrastructure projects.
  • The government is implementing the nationally significant infrastructure projects action plan.
  • Local authorities are encouraged to provide clarity and advice on technically feasible locations for mobile phone masts.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andrew Selous Con
Transport Local Government
Context

The planning system's inefficiencies are impacting large infrastructure projects and local development.

Question

What steps he is taking to help improve the efficiency of the planning system. In relation to large infrastructure projects, the government is implementing the nationally significant infrastructure projects action plan and the “Getting Great Britain building again” policy paper. For TCPA, they are offering greater clarity through the republication of the national planning policy framework, greater consistency by instructing local councils to discharge their responsibilities, and additional support for local councils.

Answer from Lee Rowley

We are taking significant steps to speed up the planning system. In large infrastructure projects, that is through the nationally significant infrastructure projects action plan and the “Getting Great Britain building again” policy paper. In relation to the TCPA, we are offering greater clarity through the republication of the national planning policy framework, greater consistency through instructing local councils to ensure that they discharge their responsibilities, and greater capacity through additional support for local councils.

Answered
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Q2 Andrew Selous Con
Local Government
Context

Two parishes in Andrew Selous' constituency have had five locations for a mobile phone mast turned down, causing frustration and hindering essential connectivity.

Question

Can I convey the extreme irritation of two parishes in my constituency that have had five locations for a mobile phone mast turned down? Given that mobile connectivity is now an essential requirement, is it not time that local authorities advised on which technically feasible locations they would be prepared to grant planning permission? Local people could then say where they were happiest for such projects to go, and we would end this stupid cat-and-mouse game that wastes time and means people do not get the connectivity they need.

Answer from Lee Rowley

My hon. Friend is right that connectivity is vital in all our communities. It is incumbent upon local councils, including his council in Bedfordshire, to ensure that they are providing the greatest clarity possible for that connectivity and that it is put in place.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific advice from local authorities on technically feasible locations for mobile phone masts was not addressed.

How: It Is Incumbent Upon Local Councils, Including His Council In Bedfordshire

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