§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what priority he attaches to the achievement of sustainable patterns of development and the maintenance of long-term green belt boundaries as set out in PPG13 and PPG2 when he considers local plans as they relate to the green belt; and if he will make a statement. [41056]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordThe fundamental aim of green belt policy is to prevent urban sprawl. Green belts can assist in moving towards more sustainable patterns of development. Their boundaries should be altered only in exceptional circumstances. PPG2 advises on the possible need to safeguard land for longer-term development needs, taking account of sustainable development, and on relating such land to public transport infrastructure.
1063WThe Secretary of State examines development plans carefully to identify whether their scope reflects national and regional planning guidance and whether there are conflicts which do not appear to be justified by local circumstances. If necessary, he will make a formal intervention.
§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to ensure that adopted local plans comply with Government policy as expressed in the most recent planning policy guidance notes; and if he will make a statement. [41057]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordSection 54A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 requires that where, in making a determination under the planning Acts, regard is to be had to the development plan, a planning decision shall be made in accordance with the adopted or approved plan for the area, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. The Secretary of State expects local planning authorities to keep their local plans under review to ensure they remain up to date and appropriate documents for taking decisions on land use in their area. Where new or revised government policy is issued after a local plan has been adopted, local planning authorities are expected to consider such policies when the plan is reviewed. However, expressions of Government planning policy, for example in planning policy guidance notes or circulars, are capable of being a material consideration which must also be taken into account, where relevant, by the local authority in taking decisions on planning applications.