§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether local authorities are required to alter the zoning of open space prior to giving themselves planning permission for housing development.
§ Mr. TraceyIn considering any proposal for development a local planning authority should have regard to the provisions of the development plan and to any other material considerations. In London, where the development for which the authority seeks planning permission would conflict with or prejudice and implementation of the Greater London development plan, or a fundamental provision of the initial development plan for Greater London, or any local plan provision inserted by the Secretary of State, the authority must refer the proposal to the Secretary of State, who may, if he considers the circumstances warrant it, decide to call it in for his own determination. There is, however, no requirement that land shown as open space on a development plan should be reallocated before planning permission is given for housing development.