§ 24. Mr. Sydney Irvingasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he will be able to announce his decisions on Part B of the Kent Development Plan.
§ Mr. H. BrookeI had hoped to be able to announce my decision on this plan by the end of the year, but I fear this will not be practicable. The remaining work on the plan will be done as quickly as possible and I will let the hon. Member know as soon as I can give a reasonably firm date.
§ Mr. IrvingIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that his Department has already had this plan for some four years, that it is causing considerable embarrassment to local authorities and others, and that in fact the new review was due next year? It is therefore very difficult for authorities to do the work for that review without decisions on the plan being submitted.
§ Mr. BrookeAn inquiry was held three years ago, and there were over 200 objections lodged at that inquiry. It has thrown up a number of questions of difficulty. I have indicated how sorry I am that it has not been possible for me to make a firm decision as yet, but I am anxious to do so as early as possible. Meanwhile planning applications are, of course, not held up.