§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals and policies are included in his planning guidance in respect of the river Thames for(a) co-ordinating development along its banks, (b) improving public access and (c) promoting its use for freight, passenger services and leisure use.
§ Mr. ChopeThe draft strategic guidance says that boroughs should give particulr attention to the character of any development proposals on or near the river Thames. They should aim to maintain and improve public access, and bear in mind the Countryside Commission's proposed Thames path when preparing their unitary development plans. The promotion of freight, passenger services and leisure use are not matters for strategic guidance.
§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has considered designating the river Thames as metropolitan open land; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChopeThe proposed policies for metropolitan open land set out in draft strategic guidance are not in general applicable to the river Thames.