§ Mr. AdleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in the light of his Department's proposed new planning circular, he will make a further statement on his commitment to the green belt and, in particular, on whether the Government remain opposed to any new development taking place in existing green belt, as designated in existing structure plans.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe planning policy guidance note on local plans, which my Department issued in draft for consultation on 15 June, would urge local authorities to define detailed green belt boundaries so that there is no uncertainty as to where green belt policies do and do not apply. Government policy on development in designated green belts remains as stated in PPG 2
Inside the Green Belt approval should not be given except in very special circumstances for the construction of new buildings or for the change of use of existing buildings for puposes other than agriculture and forestry, outdoor sport, cemeteries, institutions standing in extensive grounds or other uses appropriate to rural areas.