§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretry of State for Wales on what dates structure plans have been submitted by each of the eight Welsh counties since they came into existence, indicating which of these have been(a) accepted by the Welsh Office without amendment, (b) accepted subject to specific amendments and (c) rejected.
§ Mr. David HuntThe information requested is set out in the table. All structure plans and alterations approved by the Secretary of State have been the subject of modifications prior to approval. No submitted structure plan has been rejected.
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Structure Plans Plan Submitted Approved Clwyd 16July 1979 15July 1982 Clwyd Alterations No.1 29 January 1990 31 October 1991 Dyfed 31 March 1980 11 July 1983 Dyfed Alterations No. 1 15 June 1987 12 October 1989 Gwent 17April 1978 23 April 1981 Gwent Alterations No. 1 17 August1984 17 September 1987 Gwent Alterations No. 2: Shopping 4 August 1989 21 June1990 Gwynedd (Separate Plans for Anglesey, 29 March 1974 — Caernarvonshire, 28 March1974 — Meirionydd and Dyffryn Conwy) 6 December 1974 29 July 77 Gwynedd Replacement 1 February 1991 — Mid Glamorgan 22 February 1979 11 March 1982 Mid Glamorgan Alterations No. 1 19 July 1985 22 August 1989 Powys 22 October 1979 26 January 1983 Powys Alterations No. 1 — — South Glamorgan 16 December 1977 14 January 1980 South Glamorgan Alterations No. 1 18 September 1985 31 May 1989 West Glamorgan 9 January 1978 11 September 1980 West Glamorgan Alterations No. 1 12 November 1984 11 December 1986 Plan Deposited Adopted Gwent Replacement 1 10 February 1992 — 1 The Gwent Replacement Structure Plan was deposited following the implementation of the Planning and Compensation Act 1991.
§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales in what circumstances he holds any form of public inquiry prior to making changes to a draft structure plan submitted to him by a county in Wales.
§ Mr. David HuntAs a result of the Planning and Compensation Act 1991, county councils are required, unless the Secretary of State decides otherwise, to hold examinations in public on selected matters arising from structure plans, to provide additional information to help them come to a decision. Previously, when necessary, examinations in public were held on structure plans submitted to the Secretary of State to provide him with additional information necessary for the consideration and approval of the plan.
§ . Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales whether county councils in Wales, submitting structure plans for ratification by the Welsh Office, must draw these up in line with uniform national criteria.
§ Mr. David HuntStructure plans prepared under the Planning and Compensation Act 1991 are approved normally by the county council concerned. However, there are requirements to consult the Secretary of State who has powers to direct that a plan be referred to him for approval.
The form and content of structure plans is set out in regulations. In formulating the general policies in structure plans county councils are required to have regard to any regional or strategic planning guidance given by the Secretary of State to assist them in preparation of the plan, and current national policies.
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§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consideration his Department gives to the varying social and cultural patterns in Wales when reviewing structure plans for the counties of Wales.
§ Mr. David HuntRegulations require planning authorities to have regard to social considerations in preparing their general policies and proposals in structure plans. Where appropriate the needs and interests of the Welsh language will be among those considerations. In considering structure plans before him for comment or approval, the Secretary of State takes account of these social considerations.