HC Deb 07 March 1978 vol 945 cc570-1W
Mr. Higgins

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what statutory powers he has to control local authority proposals to increase the number of habitable rooms per acre for new residential development in conservation areas; what density is at present specified in each conservation area in London; and what proposals for change have recently been made in them.

Mr. Guy Barnett

My right hon. Friend has powers under the planning Acts in relation to planning applications and development plans. The Greater London Development Plan recommends generally densities for new development lying between 70 and 100 habitable rooms per acre. Specific densities for conservation areas may be included in local plans. I know of no proposals for specifying densities for conservation areas which do not accord with the guidelines recommended in the Greater London Development Plan.