§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what consultations his Department has had with the Department of Health concerning the adequacy of existing planning guidance in respect of new care home developments. [121489]
§ Keith HillThere have been no recent consultations with the Department of Health about the adequacy of planning guidance in respect of new care home developments. Planning Policy Guidance Note 3, "Housing" (PPG3), which sets out the Government's policies on planning for housing, was updated in 2000 and its implementation is kept under review. PPG3 expects local planning authorities to work jointly with housing departments to assess the range of needs for different types and sizes of housing in their area, including housing to help meet the needs of specific groups in the community.