HC Deb 16 December 1969 vol 793 c1112
15. Mr. J. H. Osborn

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what steps he will now take to co-ordinate local plans and structure plans in the intermediate areas with proposals for industrial development.

Mr. Skeffington

This is one of the basic things that planning is about and local planning authorities can, therefore, be expected to take account of it in their work, but Part I of the 1968 Act with its supporting regulations and circulars will provide them with a better framework in which to do so.

Mr. Osborn

Is the Minister aware that when a delegation came down from Sheffield to the Ministry it became obvious that the creation of an intermediate area meant that the Mossborough site, which was favoured by the Ministry, would not be subject to industrial development because of the other site in an intermediate area? Would he agree that what is essential now is that town and country planners should not have their plans disrupted by the creation of intermediate areas? Will a careful watch be kept on this?

Mr. Skeffington

This is a very important point. I hope that the new structure plan, usually covering very wide areas, will be able to take account of the kind of designation referred to.