Planning Bill

I appreciate my hon. Friend's question about BAA and the changes that would apply. I will seek to provide him with a more detailed answer in writing before we return next week to consider the Bill further. This group of amendments has been designed to ensure that proposals that include the compulsory acquisition of land are dealt with properly and that correct levels of protection are given to landowners and, as I mentioned, special types of land. The hon. Member for North Cornwall mentioned special types of land, such as common land. I am grateful to hon. Members who suggested helpful changes in Committee, some of which have been implemented in the package of amendments that we are considering. They set out essential technical changes to deal with the acquisition of rights over land and give protections to landowners, statutory undertakers and the users of rights of way. The provisions set out clear rules and procedures to ensure the protection of the rights of those whose land may be compulsorily acquired. I hope that that answers hon. Members' questions and gets across the point that we are making changes that are consistent with existing planning law. Those who fear that their homes, businesses or land are about to be CPO-ed will have the processes that already exist, as well as other options that we are bringing forward, which will provide flexibility. Question put and agreed to. Clause read a Second time, and added to the Bill.