HC Deb 22 February 1979 vol 963 cc299-300W
Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many local and structure plans have been completed; and how many there will be after coverage is completed.

Mr. Guy Barnett

22 structure plans for areas in England have been approved and a further 28 have been submitted and are under consideration. 21 more will give total coverage and the total will be 71. These figures include the Greater London development plan but exclude those providing supplementary detail in certain urban areas and proposals for the alteration of approved plans.

Local plans are normally adopted by local planning authorities without reference to my right hon. Friend. 15 have been adopted in England and local planning authorities have indicated that about 1,600 are needed.

Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the use so far made of the powers in the Community Land Act to secure the release of publicly owned developable land.

Mr. Guy Barnett

My right hon. Friend wishes to see much greater use made of the Community Land Act powers to bring forward land for development, whoever owns it. But a significant amount of the land acquired so far is understood to have been owned by other public bodies: there is no evidence that local authorities are overlooking this source of supply.