HC Deb 16 June 1971 vol 819 cc431-2
17. Dr. Glyn

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has in mind for ensuring that the proposed green belt within the Cookham Rural District Council is not altered by the release of land for development.

Mr. Graham Page

No special action is necessary. Green belt policies apply in proposed green belt areas until such time as final decisions are taken on them or on specific planning applications.

Dr. Glyn

I thank my hon. Friend for his helpful reply. Would he agree that it would be better if these proposed green belts were confirmed, as it would remove a great deal of speculation by builders? Is he aware that Cookham R.D.C. has made available what it considers a considerable amount of land, particularly for council housing, and would he in any representations which the Council makes on appeals, consider its views very carefully before coming to a final decision? Finally, is he aware that if building continues, the towns of Windsor and Maidenhead will be joined together, and there will be no green belt at all?

Mr. Page

The boundaries of green belts have to be settled with great care, but the policy of this Government, where they have approved proposed green belts, is to allow development only in a very special circumstance. We are well aware of the pressure in the area to which my hon. Friend refers in Cookham. The circular which was issued by my Department a little time ago emphasises the need to avoid harming green belts, and our general policy in relation to them remains unchanged.