§ 20. Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenportasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he is aware of the concern felt by residents of Cheshire in view of the fact that a large number of applications to build on what may be green belt territory in Cheshire are being received by county authorities and that it is expected that this year the figure will be up by 25 per cent.; and whether, in view of the confusion, he will come to an early decision on the green belt proposals for Cheshire.
§ The Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs (Mr. Henry Brooke)I am aware of the concern felt by some residents in the part of Cheshire south of Manchester. Cheshire County Council sent in some time ago a sketch plan showing a green belt in this area, and it was 1050 encouraged to submit proposals for including it in its county development plan. I am awaiting these proposals, which, I understand, I am shortly to receive from the council. In the meantime, it is applying in the area concerned the development control policy appropriate to a green belt.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-DavenportDoes my right hon. Friend realise that more and more of these applications to build on what might be green belt territory are pouring into county authorities in ever-increasing quantities all over the country? Would he agree that the longer these decisions are delayed the more our green belts will be destroyed?
§ Mr. BrookeI am very anxious indeed to get decisions taken on the green belt, but I am sure that my hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that there is no question here of my delaying a decision. There will be nothing before me until Cheshire County Council submits its proposals to me, which I hope it will shortly do.