HC Deb 18 July 1984 vol 64 cc197-8W
Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many starter homes have been built by the Basildon development corporation in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Sir George Young

The Basildon development corporation has not itself built any dwellings specifically as starter homes in the past five years. It has, however, disposed of land to the private sector for this purpose.

Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on land acquisitions for housing development at the Basildon development corporation; what guidelines have been given to the Basildon development corporation; and if he will make a statement.

Sir George Young

The Basildon development corporation is in the course of completing acquisition of land to permit comprehensive redevelopment of areas zoned for housing on the new town master plan.

Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from Essex county council and Basildon district council concerning the pace of housing development by the Basildon development corporation; what was his response; and if he will make a statement.

Sir George Young

I have received representations from the councils about the timing of the release of new town housing land for development. I have explained that the pace and balance of development will depend on the local housing market, subject to the relevant planning machinery, which will need to take account of the needs of local industry.

Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the proportion of starter homes built in Basildon by the Basildon development corporation; and if he will make a statement

Sir George Young

The development corporation is not building starter homes. It aims to promote a balanced range of house types catering to various sectors of the market, in securing the development of new town land by the private sector.