§ Mr. Ian Taylorasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress is being made towards the introduction of simplified planning zones.
§ Mr. WaldegraveI am today issuing for comment draft regulations which prescribe procedures for preparing simplified planning zones, together with a draft circular and advice note.
Simplified planning zones are based on the planning regime successfully pioneered in enterprise zones. They provide planning authorities with a new method of attracting private investment to areas in need of development or regeneration. For developers and landowners, they provide the certainty of knowing what types of development can be carried out in an area. They save the authority and developers the work and expense involved in making and processing individual planning applications. Simplified planning zones cannot be introduced in national parks, AONBs, SSSIs, conservation areas, or approved green belt. Proposals for setting up SPZs have to be advertised and those who wish to object to these proposals have the opportunity to do so. Where necessary a public local inquiry is held by an independent inspector.
The drafts are being sent to the local authority associations and others for comment by 15 September 1987. Copies of the consultation letter and the drafts are being placed in the Library.