§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Secretary of State for the Environment, in making his decision to replace the structure/local plan system in London with unitary plans, what information he had before him concerning (a) the anticipated duration of the new planning processes compared with the existing system, (b) the number of staff required in the London boroughs and his own department and (c) the costs of preparing, consulting on and publicising and inquiring into 33 unitary development plans; and if he will place this information on costs and organisation in the Library.
§ Sir George YoungIn considering the new planning arrangements for London, the Government took into account the time taken to process the Greater London development plan. The introduction of unitary development plans will build on the extensive experience of London boroughs and will provide a simpler process for them than separate procedures for structure and local plans. Although some additional departmental staff may be needed, these will be met from within the overall planned allocations of the Department. Staffing for the London boroughs themselves are matters for them to decide. As the scale of work for the introduction of unitary development plans will vary from area to area, it would have been inappropriate to undertake the detailed calculations referred to.