§ Mr. RookerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many simplified planning zones have been designated under the Housing and Planning Act 1986; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe provisions of the Housing and Planning Act 1986 enabling local planning authorities to designate simplified planning zones came into operation in England and Wales on 2 November. I gave details in my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Banbury (Mr. Baldry) on 2 November, at column598.
Since the provisions have only just been commenced, it will take a little while for schemes to be adopted; but I understand that schemes are being brought forward in a few places already.