HC Deb 20 June 2003 vol 407 cc524-5W
Andrew Selous

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether the Government intend to make changes to the regulations covering new building in areas of outstanding natural beauty. [120311]

Keith Hill

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has no current plans to change planning regulations that would specifically affect new building development in areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONB). A review of statutory permitted development rights for minor development, to determine whether these rights are still appropriate, including in areas such as AONBs is currently being conducted. A research report will be published shortly. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will consider its conclusions carefully and any proposed changes to existing rights will be subject to public consultation.

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is also reviewing national Planning Policy Guidance for the Countryside (PPG7), which includes policies on new development in AONBs, with the aim of replacing this document with a more concise and up-to-date Planning Policy Statement (PPS) for rural areas. A draft of the new PPS will be issued soon for public consultation.