Planning and Compensation Act 1991

Part I Modification of Procedure for Making or Altering Schemes

Procedure before and after deposit of proposals

1 In Schedule 6A to the 1972 Act (simplified planning zones) for paragraphs 5 and 6 there is substituted—

“Steps to be taken before depositing proposals

5 (1) A planning authority proposing to make or alter a simplified planning zone scheme shall, before determining the content of their proposals, comply with this paragraph.

(2) They shall—

(a) consult—

(i) the Secretary of State; and

(ii) any local roads authority in whose area the proposed zone or any part of it lies,

as to the effect any proposals they may make might have on existing or future roads; and

(b) consult or notify such persons as regulations may require them to consult or, as the case may be, notify.

(3) They shall take such steps as may be prescribed, or as the Secretary of State may in a particular case direct, to publicise—

(a) the fact that they propose to make or alter a simplified planning zone scheme, and

(b) the matters which they are considering including in the proposals.

(4) They shall consider any representations that are made in accordance with regulations.

Procedure after deposit of proposals

6 Where a planning authority have prepared a proposed simplified planning zone scheme, or proposed alterations to a simplified planning zone scheme, they shall—

(a) make copies of the proposed scheme or alterations available for inspection at such places as may be prescribed;

(b) take such steps as may be prescribed for the purpose of advertising the fact that the proposed scheme or alterations are so available and the places at which, and times during which, they may be inspected;

(c) take such steps as may be prescribed for inviting representations or objections to be made within such period as may be prescribed; and

(d) send a copy of the proposed scheme or alterations to the Secretary of State and to any local roads authority whom they have consulted under paragraph 5(2)(a) of this Schedule.”

Dealing with objections, etc.

2 (1) For paragraph 7(1) to (3) (objections: local inquiry or other hearing) there is substituted—

“Procedure for dealing with objections

7 (1) Where objections to the proposed scheme or alterations are made, the planning authority may—

(a) for the purpose of considering the objections, cause a local inquiry or other hearing to be held by a person appointed by the Secretary of State or, in such cases as may be prescribed, appointed by the authority, or

(b) require the objections to be considered by a person appointed by the Secretary of State.

(2) A planning authority shall exercise the power under sub-paragraph (1), or paragraph (a) or (b) of that sub-paragraph, if directed to do so by the Secretary of State.”

(2) For paragraph 10(3) and (4) (consideration of objections, etc., by Secretary of State) there is substituted—

“(3) Where on taking the proposals into consideration the Secretary of State does not determine then to reject them he shall, before determining whether or not to approve them, consider any objections made in accordance with regulations (and not withdrawn) except objections which—

(a) have already been considered by the planning authority or by a person appointed by the Secretary of State, or

(b) have already been considered at a local inquiry or other hearing.

(4) The Secretary of State may—

(a) for the purpose of considering any objections and the views of the planning authority and of such other persons as he thinks fit, cause a local inquiry or other hearing to be held by a person appointed by him, or

(b) require such objections and views to be considered by a person appointed by him.

(5) In considering the proposals the Secretary of State may consult with, or consider the views of, any planning authority or any other person; but he need not do so, or give an opportunity for the making or consideration of representations or objections, except so far as he is required to do so by sub-paragraph (3) of this paragraph.”