§ Mr. GorstTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from local residents and preservation societies at the prospect of substantial extensions to Watch Tower house in the site zoned as green belt on the Ridgeway at Mill Hill; and if he will give an assurance that he has no plans to alter Government policy in a way that would facilitate further developments on this site; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Yeo[holding answer 20 January 1992]No representations have been received about proposed extensions to Watch Tower house on the Ridgeway at Mill Hill in the London borough of Barnet.
It is for the local planning authority to consider any applications for planning permission, having regard to their recently adopted unitary development plan arid to determine applications in accordance with the plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise.
The Government's policy on green belts remains as set out in planning policy guidance note 2 and circular 12/91. There are no proposals to alter the policy that:
Inside a Green Belt, approval should not be given, except in very special circumstances, for the construction of new buildings or for the change of use of existing buildings for purposes other than agriculture and forestry, outdoor sport, cemeteries, institutions standing in extensive grounds, or other uses appropriate to a rural area".