§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in the light of the completion of parts of the M25 in Essex, it is his policy to relax development in the green belt in that county; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneI have no intention of relaxing control over development in green belt following the completion of the M25. I have recently published guidance about the M25 and land use planning in the south-east. This makes it plain that the general presumption against inappropriate development in the green belt is not affected by the M25. There should continue to be the strongest restraint on development there in accordance with the advice of MHLG 42/55.