§ Mr. Heddleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has yet monitored the effect of his initiative on positive planning for industrial development; and in particular what response he has received from local authorities to this initiative.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneWe have made several initiatives on positive planning for industry. Circular 22/80 "Development control — Policy and Practice" urged a positive approach to development control generally and particularly for developments which would contribute to economic activity. Local authorities have generally acted on this advice: at present some 90 per cent. of applications relating to manufacturing industry are approved. The local authority associations and some local authorities made helpful responses to our draft circular on industrial development, which was issued in September 1983: I intend to publish the final version shortly.
A consultation paper on proposals for simplified planning zones, which could be used to promote industrial development, was issued on 11 May 1984. Some comments have already been received, and a full assessment of the responses will be made after the consultation period which ends on 31 August 1984.