§ Mr. CryerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the Government's policy towards the maintenance of the green belt.
§ Mr. YeoWe remain firmly committed to the purposes of the green belt in checking unrestricted urban sprawl,388W safeguarding the surrounding countryside, preventing neighbouring towns from merging, preserving the special character of historic towns, and assisting urban regeneration. Since 1979 the extent of green belts in England has more than doubled. Policy on green belts remains as set out in planning policy guidance note 2; updated guidelines on redundant hospital sites are in DOE circular 12/91.
§ Mr. CryerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if a public inquiry will be held in respect of the planning decision to allow factory building in the green belt at Woodlands in Bradford South; and what account is taken in such inquiries of whether proposals depart from the relevant local authority's planning map.
§ Mr. YeoBradford city council has referred to the Secretary of State a planning application for industrial development at Woodlands for Ramfield plc. He is considering whether to call it in for his own determination. If he decides to do so a public inquiry will be held, and he will determine the application in accordance with the development plan unless material consideration indicate otherwise.