§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his Department's policy regarding development west of Stevenage. [3058]
§ Mr. RaynsfordPlanning Policy Guidance Note 2 states that releases of land from the Green Belt—like the proposals in Hertfordshire County Council's Structure Plan Review for development west of Stevenage—should518W take place only in exceptional circumstances. It will be for the County Council to respond to the recommendations of the independent Panel who conducted an examination in public of the Structure Plan Review proposals in March. My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minster will consider that response before taking a view on whether the case for any Green Belt releases has been made.