§ Mr. John MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if in the further consideration he is giving to rural development he will issue guidelines as to how much housing development he will allow in villages, in order that they retain their present character. [40937]
§ Mr. Gwilym Jones[holding answer 6 November 1995]: At present, planning guidance on housing development in villages is included in planning policy guidance note 7 "The Countryside and The Rural Economy", issued in January 1992. This indicates that new housing will continue to be required in rural areas to sustain the health of the rural economy and the viability of village communities and that in many villages, provision can be made for modest development without damage to the character of the village. It is for the local planning authorities to determine the level of housing allowed in particular villages. These issues have been raised in the responses to the consultation exercises which have taken place both on the proposed revision of planning policy guidance in Wales and on the forthcoming rural White Paper for Wales. My right hon. Friend is now considering the responses received.
§ Mr. MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consideration he has given to Welsh Office guidelines on out-of-town store development; and what account he has taken of the rules governing planning applications in England. [40936]
§ Mr. Jones[holding answer 6 November 1995]: Planning policy guidance on out-of-town retail developments is incorporated in the draft planning policy guidance (Wales) document which my right hon. Friend issued for public consultation in July. This draft provides 810W similar planning policy guidance to that contained in the draft PPG6—"Town Centres and Retail Developments" issued by DoE for Consultation in England.