§ Mr. HagueTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress has been made on the preparation of unitary development plans for Tyne and Wear.
§ Mr. ChopeMy right hon. Friend has today issued strategic guidance to assist the five metropolitan districts in Tyne and Wear in the preparation of unitary development plans for their area. The guidance covers the key issues identified by the local authorities and the Department—urban regeneration, retailing, transport and the environment.
A draft of the guidance was circulated for comment in December 1988. Comments were received from 47 organisations and individuals. The guidance has been revised in the light of these comments. A copy of the strategic guidance, together with a report on the consultation exercise, have today been placed in the Library of the House. Following the issue of the strategic guidance, commencement orders will be issued shortly to enable the local authorities to start work on preparing their unitary development plans.