§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to permit the release of more house building land outside the restraints of existing plans; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoynihanWe announced last year that, in order to meet needs for low-cost housing in rural areas, planning authorities may exceptionally grant planning permission for the development of small unallocated sites which would not ordinarily be released for general housing development. We emphasised that such sites must be sensibly related to existing settlements, and that arrangements must be in place to reserve the housing in question for local needs. The full policy is set out in the draft revision of "Planning Policy Guidance Note 3 (Housing)" issued last October.