§ Mr. TylerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what research his Department has conducted to support the statement in paragraph 1.6 of planning policy guidance note 7 on protecting and improving the countryside through maintaining a healthy rural economy. [28231]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordMy Department expects to publish research on the implementation of planning policies for diversifying the rural economy later this year.
§ Mr. TylerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if the statement in paragraph 1.6 of planning policy guidance note 7 on protecting and improving the countryside through maintaining a healthy rural economy is intended to refer to protecting and improving(a) the built environment in rural areas and (b) agricultural land and natural habitats. [28232]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordParagraph 1.6 refers to the aims of the Government's countryside policies generally. Many factors contribute to a healthy rural economy, including an attractive built environment, an adequate supply of agricultural land and natural habitats. Under the planning system, the guiding principle in the wider countryside is that development should benefit the rural economy and maintain or enhance the environment.