Housing Policy

HC Deb 21 March 1990 vol 169 cc667-8W

22. Mrs. Gorman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent representations he has received regarding his housing policies.

Mr. Michael Spicer

My right hon. Friend receives representations from time to time from hon. Members, interest groups and members of the public.

104. Mr. Allen McKay

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what provision is made in the Government's planning for new houses to ensure that established environment policies are maintained.

Mr. Michael Spicer

A revised planning policy guidance note on housing was issued in draft last autumn: I will send the hon. Member a copy. This makes clear that while adequate provision must be made for new housing development, it should be done with full regard to the need to protect and improve the environment, in both town and country.

93. Mr. Patchett

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice is given to planning authorities through the planning for new housing policy to ensure that green field sites are not used first.

Mr. Moynihan

Existing guidance and draft guidance contained in the proposed revision of the planning policy guidance note on housing emphasise that development plans, in making provision for new housing, should ensure that full and effective use is made of land within existing urban areas. This should not however be at the expense of the character of established residential areas; policies in plans must also take account of the need for urban open space for recreation and amenity.