HC Deb 12 November 1975 vol 899 cc697-8W
Mr. Jim Lester

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what relative importance he attaches in planning terms to the Nottinghamshire-Derby Sub-regional Study, the proposed structure plan, and the interim statement of planning policy issued by the Nottinghamshire County Council on 30th July.

Mr. Oakes

The Nottinghamshire-Derbyshire Sub-regional study, published in 1969, was commissioned by the county councils of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, the then County Borough Council of Derby, and the City Council of Nottingham. Pending the preparation of structure plans it has formed the basis for considering the needs, potential for development, and major land uses in the two county areas. It has no statutory force.

The structure plan for Nottinghamshire will be the major planning document for the county area. It will establish the broad structural policies for land use and transportation, and will provide the basis for the detailed land allocations and development control policies to be worked out in local plans.

An interim statement of planning policy—issued by a County Council under Paragraph 32(d) (IV) of Schedule 16 to the Local Government Act 1972—is not subject to the approval of the Secretary of State. Its purpose is to set out certain considerations which the district councils in the county must take into account in deciding whether a planning application which comes before them is a "county matter". It does not in itself constitute a planning decision; any specific application to carry out development must be decided under the normal planning procedures.

Mr. Jim Lester

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the up-to-date estimate of his Department's contribution towards the Nottinghamshire structure plan and its likely total cost.

Mr. Oakes

The responsibility for preparing the Nottinghamshire structure plan lies with the council of that county. Following the usual practice, the Department will be advising the county council on the technical and procedural aspects of structure plan preparation and on the implications of Government policies for the structure plan area.

The total cost of preparing the plan is a matter for the county council, which would doubtless be able to help the hon. Member in that connection. The cost of the Department's contribution cannot readily be assessed but will not be substantial.