§ Mr. Baldryasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress is being made towards the introduction of unitary development plans in the metropolitan areas.
§ Mr. WaldegraveI am today issuing for comment draft regulations which prescribe some of the procedures for preparing unitary development plans together with a draft circular and memorandum for local authorities. The drafts are being sent to the local authority associations and others for comment by 3 April. Copies of the letter and drafts are being placed in the Library.
Progress is being made in all the metropolitan areas towards the preparation of strategic guidance which my right hon. Friend will consider issuing to local planning authorities to assist them in preparing their unitary development plans. The London Planning Advisory Committee has been set up and is considering the scope and content of advice which the committee may offer about the strategic guidance for Greater London. In the other metropolitan areas arrangements are being made for the local authorities to prepare advice on the scope and content of the guidance.