HC Deb 22 October 1984 vol 65 c487W
Mr. Heddle

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any plans to review the town and country planning regulations.

Mr. Macfarlane

We intend to institute in due course a review of the town and country planning general regulations. Interested parties will at the appropriate time be invited to comment on possible amendments.

Mr. Heddle

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1972.

Mr. Macfarlane

I have recently received letters from the RICS and ISVA suggesting, in particular, changes to the use classes order in respect of high technology industry and retail services.

Mr. Heddle

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has any plans to amend the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1972 in regard to high technology development.

Mr. Macfarlane

My Department's circular 16/84, issued on 4 September, contained detailed guidance to local planning authorities on the flexible use of planning control in respect of high technology development. Our consultation paper of 30 July invited comments on a proposal to amend the law to deal with a particular difficulty which is said to affect some forms of such development. The Department is currently financing a research project into the accommodation needs of industry.