HC Deb 07 March 1973 vol 852 cc407-8
29. Dr. Glyn

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is aware.of the continuing concern about the lack of a decision on the confirmation of the proposed green belt areas in East Berkshire, particularly following the action taken in respect of the proposed green belt areas in the adjoining counties of Buckinghamshire and Surrey: and if he will now make a statement on the confirmation of the green belt in East Berkshire.

Mr. Graham Page

The green belt proposals have to be processed as modifications to the Berkshire County Development Plan and the draft of those modifications was sent to the county council for comment on 21st February.

The intention of the draft modifications is to give formal approval to that part of the proposed green belt in East Berkshire which lies outside the Reading/Woking-ham growth area defined in the Strategic Plan for the South East.

Dr. Glyn

Is my right hon. Friend aware that after his decisions in Cookham and Windsor these proposals will be widely appreciated by not only constituents but local authorities? I have one important question. Will my right hon. Friend use his power sparingly on appeal and in general try to back up the local authority's decisions rather than have "planning on appeal", which is becoming the vogue at present?

Mr. Page

Until the green belt is approved, the proposed green belt will be protected on the same lines as the approved green belt.