§ 6. Mr. Andrew MacKayasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the present progress of structure plans in the south-east.
§ The Minister for Local Government (Mr. Kenneth Baker)The south-east region comprises Greater London and 12 shire counties. The latter are covered by 17 approved structure plans, most of which are at varying stages of review and alteration. At present I have before me proposals for nine alterations. My hon. Friend will know that Berkshire county council is preparing a single new structure plan to replace the three existing ones for east, west and central Berkshire. A draft for this replacement plan was published last April for public consultation.
§ Mr. MacKayIs my right hon. Friend aware that his Department's diktat to Berkshire county council to make provision in its structure plan for central Berkshire for a vast number of new houses to be built is completely opposed by the population of Berkshire for three very good reasons? First, there is not the demand for those houses. Secondly, terrific damage will be done to the environment. Thirdly, employment in the regions concerned and our inner-city policy will be adversely affected.
§ Mr. BakerI understand that the county council issued a consultation document containing a figure of nearly 8,000 extra houses, but that it has now issued a further consultation document, and public meetings are being held and public consultation is being carried out about it. I appreciate that there is considerable pressure around 926 London and in the home counties for new houses, but there is also a strong counter pressure against new large estates. A balance must be struck in such matters.