HC Deb 07 March 1973 vol 852 cc398-9
20. Mr. David Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is aware of the high proportion of land for which planning permission has been granted but which remains undeveloped; and whether he will consider changes in the system by way of partial rating for such land in order to expedite its release for development.

Mr. Rippon

I am aware that there are substantial amounts of such land. As my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced yesterday, we propose to introduce a land hoarding charge, further details of which will be announced as soon as possible. This is intended to expedite the release of land for development.

Mr. Mitchell

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that I am delighted that the Chancellor of the Exchequer has seen fit to fulfil my request before the third time of asking?

Mr. Rippon

I am glad that my hon. Friend is so content.

Mr. Frank Allaun

Has the right hon. and learned Gentlemen read The Times, The Guardian and the Financial Times this morning, which all report sighs of relief among property owners? Cannot landowners avoid the proposed charge by delaying seeking planning permission until the very moment when they intend to sell, with the result that less, rather than more, land will be available for building purposes?

Mr. Rippon

The hon. Gentleman had better await details of the proposals, when I hope we shall satisfy him that things will be better.

Mr. Winterton

Will my right hon. and learned Friend lay details of the proposed land hoarding charge before the House before the end of the month, so that legislation can be put through as an urgent priority?

Mr. Rippon

My right hon. Friend has announced the general policy and the details will be brought before the House as soon as possible. I propose to have consultations with the local planning authorities.

Mr. Freeson

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the Government are probably the only source of satisfaction with regard to these proposals? Very few people think that they will have much impact on the situation. More specifically, may I ask whether, without waiting for the proposals to be placed before the House, the Minister will take action with regard to the 1,000 acres in the Greater London area with planning permission for 46,000 dwellings, most of them over three years old, which have not been started? Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman seek to get that land brought into use by getting it purchased by the GLC?

Mr. Rippon

There was a general discussion on these matters in our recent debate on housing. The proposal for a land hoarding charge must be regarded only as part of a general policy of getting land for development as quickly as possible.