§ Sir Robert HicksTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce planning policy guidance notes to encourage the development of the holiday caravan park industry. [10468]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordPPG21 already provides guidance on the improvement and extension of holiday caravan parks, together with more general guidance about the location and development of tourist accommodation and facilities.
§ Sir Robert HicksTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what assessment he has made of the extent to which local authorities are(a) extending the season for holiday caravan parks and (b) removing the distinction between touring caravans and tents in response to planning policy guidance 21; [10467]
(2) what assessment he has made of the implementation of PPG21 by local authorities in respect of allowing improvements of, and extensions to, holiday caravan parks. [10466]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordI am aware of concerns expressed by the British Holiday Homes and Parks Association, put to me in a recent meeting. I am currently considering these.
§ Sir Robert HicksTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will promote the provision of necessary staff residential accommodation within holiday caravan parks in planning policy guidance. [10469]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordDevelopment proposals for on-site residential accommodation for site managers are considered within the framework of Government policy as set out in planning policy guidance notes. PPG7—"The Countryside and the Rural Economy"—restricts the provision of new dwellings in the open countryside in order to protect the rural landscapes and the character of
191Wthe countryside but does provide scope for local planning authorities to grant permission for dwellings in exceptional circumstances for rural activities other than agriculture and forestry.