HL Deb 30 June 1994 vol 556 cc56-8WA
Lord Aberdare

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will specify by geographical location and size in acres those areas within the Cardiff City Council boundary where land is, and will be, available for new housing beyond the period of time laid down in the joint land availability study by the Land Authority of Wales published in January 1994, which indicated that the area would run out of land for housing in five years.

Viscount St Davids

These are matters for the local planning authority. The City of Cardiff Local Plan identifies sites for housing development and should provide a policy framework for bringing forward additional land as required.

The annual Land Authority for Wales studies undertaken in South Glamorgan roll forward the assessment of housing land availability judged against the general objectives and the scale and location of development provided for in approved and adopted structure and local plans. The latest study (base date 1st April 1993), published in February 1994, indicates a 4–7-year supply in Cardiff. Government guidance suggests that local authorities should aim to ensure the availability of a 5-year supply of housing land. A shortfall, even as small as that identified in Cardiff, will act as a trigger to local authorities to bring forward sites; through the development plan process.