§ Mr. FrenchTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about the drafting of his Department's circular 7/91; and if he has any plans to amend it.
§ Sir George YoungWe have received a number of letters from hon. Members, local authorities and other interested bodies about circular 7/91 on "Planning and Affordable Housing". I have also discussed the circular at meetings with local authority representative bodies, including the Housing Consultative Council.
Many local authorities and others have welcomed the clarification of policy on the use of planning mechanisms to encourage the provision of affordable housing where it is needed. The circular emphasises the important role of local plans which may, after careful analysis of the need, incorporate appropriate planning policies on affordable housing. The circular makes it clear that matters unrelated to land use, such as tenure or the income of the occupier, should not be regulated through the planning system. In view of this, the best way of ensuring that such housing remains affordable is through planning agreements that provide for a housing association or similar body to retain an interest in the ownership sufficient to control the occupation.
324WWe have no plans at present to amend the circular. In due course, the advice will be incorporated in the revised planning policy guidance note 3, with whatever minor changes may then be appropriate.