HC Deb 19 December 1968 vol 775 cc466-7W
Mr. Kenyon

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government, if he has yet reached conclusions about the Central Lancashire new town and its effects on North-East Lancashire; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Greenwood

The Government have carefully considered the views expressed by the North West Regional Economic Planning Council, the Lancashire County Council and other local authorities and bodies concerned, including the Conference of North East Lancashire Authorities.

In the Government's view, a large New Town in Central Lancashire is required as part of their regional strategy for the North West, in order to act as a growth point in Lancashire's economic revival and to make provision for long-term overspill requirements and the region's population growth.

I expect before the end of this month to make a draft Designation Order under the New Towns Act, 1965 in respect of an area in Central Lancashire capable of accommodating an incoming population of some 150,000 people. The draft Order will be advertised and will be available for public inspection. All concerned will have full opportunity to enter representations and objections, and a public local inquiry into any objections made will be held by an independent Inspector.

The Government have taken into full account the desire, emphasised by the Conference of North East Lancashire authorities at a meeting in Manchester on 4th December with my right hon. Friend the Minister for Planning and Land that the establishment of a New Town in Central Lancashire should be matched by related action in North East Lancashire, and have agreed that certain action should be taken.

First, my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Transport, has accepted the case for an improved road link between the Calder Valley and the M.6 for which a project study has at his request already been mounted by the Lancashire County Council in concert with all the local authorities concerned.

Secondly, in consultation with the local authorities, I propose to employ consultants to prepare pilot schemes of urban renewal in North East Lancashire. These will take further the important urban renewal work already done by the local authorities there.

Thirdly, I shall invite the Lancashire County Council and the Blackburn and Burnley County Borough Councils, the three local planning authorities for the area, in consultation with the Regional Economic Planning Council and Board

Mr. R. Lloyd Thomas Assistant Secretary Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Chairman). Nominated by the Minister of Housing and Local Government.
Mr. P. Kitchen Higher Executive Officer. Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Secretary).
Mr. J. Berry, A.R.I.B.A., A.I.A.S. Borough Architect Gateshead County Borough.
Mr. H. G. Echart, F.C.A., F.I.M.T.A. Borough Treasurer (retired). Lambeth London Borough. Nominated by the Association of Municipal Corporations.
Mr. H. Smith, F.R.I.C.S. Public Works Department Manager. Sheffield County Borough.
Mr. J. Quinn, B.Com., D.P.A. Clerk Consett Urban District Council. Nominated by the Urban District Councils Association.
Mr. E. Hodgkinson, F.R.I.C.S., F.T.A. Senior Quantity Surveyor. Greater London Council. Nominated by the Greater London Council.
Mr. F. Bowman, A.R.I.B.A. Architect Chester-le-Street Rural District Council. Nominated by the Rural District Councils Association.
Mr. S. T. Evans, Barrister-at-Law. District Auditor Metropolitan District Nominated by the Chief Inspector of Audit.