Clause 79
Planning Bill
3:15 pm
Dan Rogerson (Shadow Minister (Arts, Culture and Heritage), Culture, Media & Sport; North Cornwall, Liberal Democrat)
I am sure that the more experienced Members who are used to wading through Bills will understand the use of the word “frivolous” in this context, but I must admit that it raised some concerns with me. I would be interested to hear how the Minister defines “frivolous.” I can understand that were commissioners to receive a note saying, “Dear commissioners, you are a bunch of”—one can insert the Anglo-Saxon or Welsh word of choice—they might regard that as frivolous and seek to disregard it.
However, there may be standard letters—for example, those that are completed by several objectors. Will letters that people are handed in a town centre and asked to sign, and things of that nature, be considered frivolous? The examining authority might seek to use the word “frivolous” to disregard some objections, or it could be argued by the applicant that something should be considered frivolous.
The purpose of the amendment is to draw attention to the use of the word. It may be that I am unaware that it is standard practice to include it, and that there is a clear definition of it, but I would welcome hearing from the Minister what the definition is.