§ Mr. ShersbyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the Government will publish revised planning policy guidance on green belts in England.
§ Mr. GummerWe have today published a revision of planning policy guidance note 2 on "Green Belts". This reaffirms our commitment to green belt policy, and makes limited changes to strengthen it to meet the challenges of the next century.
Following research which we published in 1993, we issued a draft revision of PPG2 for public consultation last year. We are grateful to the almost 700 organisations and individuals who responded. We have carefully considered their views in finalising the document, and made adjustments to take account of views expressed. The thrust of the revised PPG2 is similar to the consultation draft, which was broadly welcomed.
Compared with the present published PPG2, the, revision incorporates six main amendments, within a framework of continuity.
- (1) It reaffirms the Government's commitment to green belt policy, stresses the fundamental aim of preventing urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open, and points out that green belts can assist in moving towards more sustainable patterns of urban development.
- (2) It sets out positive objectives for the use of land in green belts, so as to secure greater benefits for the environment without compromising the overall restrictive approach.
- (3) It further encourages proper consideration of the long-term direction of development, through the development plan system, to ensure long-term protection of green belts.
113 - (4) It removes the former concession for new building in the green belt by institutions, so that they are subject to the same controls as other developers.
- (5) It enables local planning authorities to make realistic provision in their development plans for the future of existing major developed sites in the green belt, such as pre-war factories and power stations, in such a way as to secure environmental benefits.
- (6) It introduces a new policy on the re-use of buildings, which includes specific safeguards for the green belt.
These modifications will reinforce the position of green belts as a cornerstone of the town and country planning system in England as we enter the 21st century.
A summary of responses to the consultation exercise has been deposited in the Libraries of the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the Department of the Environment. Copies of all the responses have been placed in the DOE library.