§ Mr. FaberTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to amend the system of development plans prepared under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990; and if he will make a statement. [21092]
§ Mr. GummerThe plan-led system requires each district planning authority to have an area-wide local plan or unitary development plan. We set a target, agreed with local authorities, of getting a substantial majority of those plans prepared, debated and formally adopted by the end of 1996. The result of the most recent monitoring survey shows that 62 per cent. of authorities expect to have adopted their plan by the target date. This shortfall is disappointing.
I have been concerned at the length of time it is taking some authorities to adopt their plan. We consulted earlier about possible changes to speed up this process. The response was lukewarm about radical change, but supported change that could be achieved within the scope of existing legislation. Already the planning inspectorate has introduced more concise reports on local plan inquiries and a system of service agreements with local authorities on their likely length and cost.
I am proposing further changes that can be brought into effect quickly, with the publication of proposals to amend both the code of practice on development plans and the development plan regulations. Copies have been placed in the Library of the House.
In addition, I am not ruling out further changes, including measures that will require legislation, if these are wanted by the users of the development plan system. My Department will shortly be writing to interested organisations about this wider review.
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