§ Mr. Tom KingTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will amend existing planning guidance to planning authorities to ensure that the design and layout of new residential areas is more acceptable to existing communities; and if he will make a statement on the representations he has received on this subject. [22204]
§ Mr. RaynsfordRevised Planning Policy Guidance note 1 encourages careful and early consideration to design issues which can help make proposals for development acceptable to local communities. Local authorities are encouraged to promote good design and reject bad design. The Government intend to build on this guidance by publishing two good practice guides next year—one a general guide to design in the planning system; the other a companion guide to Design Bulletin 32 (Residential Roads and Footpaths) which has a major influence on the layout of residential areas. I also continue to emphasise the importance of good design in speeches at suitable opportunities, most recently at the Royal Fine Arts Commission Seminar.