§ Mr. ThurnhamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many acres are designated for housing in the Bolton council area; and what is his estimate of how many new homes could be constructed on this land.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThis is one of the disputed issues currently before the Secretary of State in connection with the application to remove a covenant preventing development at Birtenshaw farm, Bolton. I therefore cannot prejudge the decision to be made on that application by expressing an opinion on this issue.
The borough council is required by the Greater Manchester county structure plan to provide sufficient land for 11,800 dwellings in the period from mid-1981 to mid-1991. Government policy requires that they should at all times ensure that a five years supply of land is available.