Oral Answers to Questions

Caroline Nokes Excerpts

Monday 18th March 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay) (Con)]

1. What recent steps he has taken to increase the power of local authorities to tackle unauthorised development and protect the green belt.

[Caroline Nokes (Romsey and Southampton North) (Con)]

13. What steps he has taken to increase powers of local authorities to tackle unauthorised development.

[The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Mr Eric Pickles)]

We have previously made it absolutely clear that Traveller sites are inappropriate development in the green belt. We are also considering responses to our recent consultation on proposals to give councils more freedom to use temporary stop notices to take swift and effective action against unauthorised caravans in the green belt and elsewhere. This builds on our earlier reforms to strengthen councils' enforcement powers, increase protection for the green belt, and ensure fair play throughout planning.

--- Later in debate ---

[Caroline Nokes]

In the immediate Romsey area there have been several instances of retrospective planning applications involving Traveller sites. What reassurance can my right hon. Friend give my constituents that planning law is a level playing field that applies equally to everyone and that local authorities will have more robust powers to deal with the problem?

[Mr Pickles]

My hon. Friend raises an important point. The Localism Act 2011 gives applicants a chance to appeal either the enforcement notice or retrospective planning. The problem with the previous regime was that it was possible to appeal both and thereby prolong occupation of land where it was inappropriate.