HC Deb 03 July 1984 vol 63 cc112-3W

Green Belt and Land for Housing

1. The Government has the following observations to make on the First Report from the Environment Committee into Green Belt and Land for Housing. These observations respond to the Select Committee's specific recommendations about the Green Belt and Land for Housing Circulars which have been amended in the light of the Committee's recommendations and of comments received in response to consultation on the revised drafts that were issued in February. The final versions of the two circulars are being published on 4 July. The Green Belt Circular (DOE 14/84) is at Annex A and the Land for Housing Circular (DOE 15/84) is at Annex B. The Government will respond to the Committee's other recommendations in due course.

2. The Government welcomes the Committee's Report. In particular they welcome the appreciation that the Committee has shown of the complementary nature of the two circulars. The Report says, 'To defend Green Belts there has to be sufficient land for housing available elsewhere. To promote urban housing there have to be defensible Green Belts'.

The Government agree and it believes that the circulars will give a clear lead to authorities to secure these objectives.