Less red tape on roads
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THE DEPARTMENT of Transport is reducing its involvement in planning applications for developments near trunk roads, according to Junior Transport Minister Kenneth Clarke.
Speaking earlier this month, Mr Clarke said: "I get a lot of' correspondence which suggests that worthwhile developments are being frustrated by over-cautious attitudes on the part of highway authorities.
"I have been urging our
regio
nal controllers to be as flexible and imaginative as possible in considering applications, particularly those which will create employment."
He said he hopes that the DTp will reduce its involvement in such planning procedures as consideration of road safety and the effects upon traffic flow, and has already arranged for most applications — for minor extensions and changes in use of property, erection of small garages and roadside developments near a road with a 30mph speed limit — to be let through "on the nod".
Mr Clarke added: "I feel sure there will be scope for further changes in the light of experience of our new arrangements."