§ Mr. BaldryTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will issue guidance on the preparation of local plans, following the consultations undertaken in June.
§ Mr. RidleyTwo further planning policy guidance notes are being published today, adding to the framework of concise national planning guidance issued earlier this year. PPG12 provides guidance on local plans and PPG 13 on highway considerations in development control. Copies of both have been placed in the Libraries of the House.
Our proposals for a much wider coverage of statutory development plans have been well received. Each district council should have a plan setting out its policies and proposals for development and conservation, to guide them in their decisions on individual planning applications and to provide guidance to developers and reassurance to local people about the future pattern of development in their area. Local plans are particularly necessary for areas where there is strong pressure for new development.
Local plans may also demonstrate the need for broad phasing of new development and for density policies to protect the character of established residential areas.
Where such plans are up to date and consistent with national and regional policies and with the relevant provisions of the structure plan, they will carry considerable weight in determining planning applications and appeals.