§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what changes he is considering which will expedite the planning permission system for developers who wish to build on brownfield sites. [52825]
§ Mr. RaynsfordCurrent planning policy guidance already encourages the re-use of previously developed (or brown field) sites. The Government are currently revising Planning Policy Guidance Note 3 (Housing) to reflect the higher target for building new homes on previously-developed land announced in Planning for the Communities of the Future, published in February. We hope to issue a draft PPG3 for consultation later this year.
The Government are also helping local authorities and developers through their preparation of a national land use database which will for the first time produce a comprehensive picture of previously-developed land. The Government have also set up the Urban Task Force which will provide guidance on how local authorities can make better and more innovative use of such land. In addition, the Government are currently considering what role economic instruments might play in helping to bring forward more previously used land for development.