§ Mr. Hilary BennTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance he has issued to local planning authorities on sustainable development; and if he will make a statement. [145999]
§ Ms Beverley HughesSustainable development is the heart of the planning system. Relevant guidance is given to local planning authorities in a number of planning policy guidance notes including PPG1: "General Policy and Principles" (paras 4–7), PPG3: "Housing" (see paragraph 1) and PPG12: "Development Plans" (Chapter 4). Practical advice on how to incorporate sustainable development principles into development plan preparation was given in "Planning for Sustainable Development: towards better practice" (ISBN 0-11-753406-4). Regional Planning Guidance is subject to sustainability appraisal and guidance was issued in October 2000 on good practice in the preparation of such appraisals (ISBN 0-11-753568-0). We shall shortly be re-consulting on a revision to the consultation draft of PPG25: "Development and Flood Risk which emphasises sustainable solutions to managing risk from flooding".