Mr. Philip Jones:

Given that applicants have only so many years to do a development, if they are to get an extension of time, the current Act and the Bill provide that substantial works have to be completed. Twelve years is reasonable and there is a balance between access, public administration and so on with regard to documents. However, I do not know why the Bill takes the public out of that process. It seems the planning register and the documents at local authority level are entirely a matter for regulations under the Bill.