Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what representations he has received about the use of the Aarhus Convention in challenging planning decisions in the High Court from (a) local authorities, (b) other bodies and (c) individuals; and if he will make a statement.

The Aarhus convention is referred to by some of those who challenge planning decisions in the High Court although we do not hold systematic records. Each challenge is considered on its merits, taking into account the representations of each party as a whole. The Department also deals with correspondence referring to the Convention in its normal course of business.