HC Deb 15 July 1980 vol 988 cc1343-4
Mr. Stephen Ross

I beg to move amendment No. 196, in page 95, line 5, at end insert—

  • '(1A) In exercising his powers under subsection (1) above the Secretary of State shall take account of any approved structure or local plan for the area, or within London the Greater London Development Plan.
  • (1B) Before submitting proposals under subsection (1) above, an Urban Development Corporation shall give publicity to these proposals and make them available for inspection by the public, and where they are so substantial as to be comparable with a local plan shall arrange for appropriate public participation.'.
I return to the New Towns Act 1965 and the principle established under section 6(1), which I believe should be followed in the Bill. I am asking the Minister to include the amendment so that the Secretary of State should take account of any approved structure or local plans or, in London, the Greater London development plan.

We discussed at length in Committee the role of structure plans. It was accepted that they have a substantial part to play, though I think that they should have a greater part than does the Minister. It was certainly agreed that local plans are of great importance, and I hope that the Minister will either accept the amendment or give an indication that future directions will oblige urban development corporations to take note of the words in the amendment.

Mr. King

As we made clear in Committee, we accept the sense of the amendment. The question is whether the matter should be covered in primary legislation. I understand that it is more usual for issues such as the relevant statutory plan and the duty to consult on planning matters to be covered in orders, regulations or administrative arrangements.

However, we recognise the need for the UDCs to consult local authorities. We have not yet been able to produce a satisfactory amendment, but we are considering the matter to see how we could embody the spirit of the amendment in the Bill. I undertake that the Government will see whether we can meet the hon. Gentleman's wishes.

8.45 pm
Mr. Ross

I am very satisfied with the reply. I am sure that the Royal Town Planning Institute, whose amendment it was, will be equally pleased. I hope that we shall see something definite on the Order Paper when the Bill goes to the other place. I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

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