HC Deb 22 February 1991 vol 186 c279W
Mr. Brando-Bravo

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a further statement on his policy regarding the revision of existing green-belt areas.

Sir George Young

Planning policy guidance note No. 2 sets out the Government's policy on green belts. Once the extent of a green belt has been established it should be altered only in exceptional circumstances.

Mr. Brandon-Bravo

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a further statement on his policy towards green-belt development proposals which are supported by local planning authorities.

Sir George Young

Paragraph 13 of planning policy guidance note No. 2 lists the limited types of development which may be appropriate in the green belt. Very special circumstances are needed to justify other types of development. Local planning authorities should inform the Secretary of State if they are minded to approve proposals that materially depart from the provisions of an approved development plan. The Secretary of State may decide to call in proposals for his own determination if planning issues of more than local importance are involved.

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