§ Mr. HeddleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish in theOfficial Report the timetable for the submission of unitary plans to his Department.
§ Mr. HowardOnce a commencement order has been made following the issue of strategic guidance by the Secretary of State, an authority is required to prepare its unitary development plan. DOE circular 3/88 advises that authorities should publish their draft plans within two years of commencement. Those with a good up-to-date local plan base should achieve this stage within one year of commencement.
Commencement orders were made for the west midlands and Merseyside in 1988. Commencement orders for London and the remaining metropolitan areas are likely to be issued by the summer.