HC Deb 12 July 1989 vol 156 cc556-7W
Mr. Gwilym Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if his Department uses the same method of calculating the adequacy of housing land at planning inquiries as the methodology specified for local councils to use by Welsh Office circular 47/84, "Land for Housing in Wales."

Mr. Peter Walker

The methodology suggested for calculating the adequacy of housing land supply in Wales remains as set down in Welsh Office circular 47/84. The advice on methodology in circular 47/84 applies equally to decisions made by myself and my inspectors.

Mr. Gwilym Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the adequacy of housing land in(a) Cardiff and (b) Wales under the latest calculations using the methodology laid down in Welsh Office circular 47/84, "Land for Housing in Wales."

Mr. Peter Walker

Up-to-date figures on housing land supply in Cardiff are not available centrally but a joint land availability study for the county of South Glamorgan is expected to be published soon.

Studies for most other counties have been published in recent years but it is not possible to calculate a single figure for Wales as a whole.

Mr. Gwilym Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales why the Land Authority for Wales uses a method of calculating the adequacy of housing land different from that laid down in Welsh Office circular 47/84, "Land for Housing in Wales"; and how he ensures that no confusion or distortion is achieved by the use of the different methods of calculation.

Mr. Peter Walker

Joint land availability studies published by the Land Authority for Wales in co-operation with house builders' representatives and local authorities normally use the method suggested in Welsh Office circular 47/84. However, in certain circumstances, especially where the structure plan is out of date, the group may agree to present an alternative methodology if they believe this is appropriate. The reasoning is fully explained in the published report and any differences of view among group members recorded.