§ Sir Neil MacfarlaneTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the organisations and local authorities he has met to discuss the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (Development Plans) Regulations 1991; what cost assessment has been made for local authorities and the industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George Young[holding answer 3 February 1992]: Proposals for the regulations were issued for consultation, together with a draft of planning policy guidance on the new development plans system. About 1,000 copies were sent out, and some 170 responses were received. A list of responses has been placed in the Library. Ministers have not met any local authorities or other organisations to discuss the provisions of the regulations.
We do not expect the new regulations to have any significant extra cost implications for local authorities or other organisations, because they largely rationalise and standardise the arrangements for development plans contained in existing regulations on structure plans, local plans and unitary development plans.