§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any plans to seek to relax planning controls to allow the re-development of agricultural buildings for use as small industrial units and or housing in green belt areas; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveMy right hon. Friend the Member for Mole Valley (Mr. Baker) set out the Government's policy on the re-use of redundant agricultural buildings in the green belt in answer to a question by the hon. Member for Derbyshire, South (Mrs. Currie) on 30 April 1986, at column 414. He said that redundant agricultural buildings can provide very suitable accommodation for small firms and tourist activities, or can be used as individual residences, without detriment to the green belt and to the benefit of the local community, especially where the buildings are of attractive appearance and can be expected with normal repair and maintenance to last for many years. There are no plans to adjust the policy further.