§ Mr. Heddleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to amend the general development orders 1977 to 1981 in the light of continuing technological advancement in respect of the use of commercial and industrial buildings; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneI am not currently persuaded that amendments to the Town and Country Planning General Development Order, or indeed to the Use Classes Order would be of help in this field. I have examined the idea of creating a special class for high-technology uses in the Use Classes Order. In doing so, I have concluded that much of the alleged difficulty in this area comes from unfamiliarity with this new type of development, and that the introduction of a new class would create considerable problems of definition and rigidity. My Department has issued advice on planning and high-technology in circular 16/84 and has also liaised with the National Development Control Forum on the issue of a guidance booklet on the subject. We have also consulted a wige range of interests on a proposed amendment to the Town and Country Planning Act 1971, which would give greater flexibility for changes between alternative permitted uses. Such a change should benefit users who, in planning terms, incorporate disparate elements such as office, storage and research and development.
§ Mr. Heddleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to seek to amend the Town and Country Planning Acts to give greater flexibility of use to owners of commercial and industrial buildings engaged in the field of high technology industries.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneAs soon as the parliamentary timetable permits, I would hope to introduce a provision on the lines of that set out in my Department's consultation letter of 30 July 1984.