§ Miss Emma NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy to ensure that in future development of land and resources in the south west in general, and Torridge and west Devon in particular, the areas' natural assets and environmental diversity will be safeguarded.
§ Mr. BaldryYes. Regional planning guidance and the plan-led system of development control can help achieve this. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will be issuing regional guidance in response to advice from the South West regional planning conference. At the more local level, planning authorities have a responsibility in their development plans to make adequate provision for development but they must take environmental considerations comprehensively and consistently into account. Plans have to include policies on the conservation of the natural beauty and amenity of the land.