§ 16. Ms Dari TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the most recent assessment of future requirements for housing in the north-east. [82796]
§ Ms ArmstrongThe latest regional household projections were set out in my Department's press release of 29 March. These projections indicate that the number of households in the north-east at 2021 could total around 1.2 million.
§ 26. Mr. BlizzardTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he plans to take to ensure that the planning system assists the creation of affordable housing in the countryside. [82806]
§ Mr. CabornOur policy is set out in Planning Policy Guidance Note 3: Housing, a revised draft of which has recently been issued for consultation, and in Circular 6/98. These provide for village infill and extension to help secure mixed and balanced rural communities and a rural "exceptions" policy where there is a demonstrable lack of affordable housing to meet local need.
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§ 36. Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will adopt a target for two-thirds of new housing development to be built on brown-field sites; and if he will make a statement. [82816]
§ Mr. CabornThe Government's target is for 60 per cent. of additional housing to be built on previously developed land. The draft Planning Policy Guidance note 3, Housing, recently issued for consultation, reaffirms our commitment to that target.