HC Deb 16 December 1997 vol 303 c145W
12. Mr. Gray

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the Government's policy on new building on green belt land. [19406]

Mr. Caborn

The Government's policy on Green Belts is set out in Planning Policy Guidance note 2. There remains a presumption against inappropriate development in Green Belts unless there are very special circumstances justifying the development which outweigh the harm to the Green Belt.

14. Mr. Brady

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the role of the green belt in encouraging economic activity in inner city areas. [19408]

Mr. Caborn

In 1993 my Department published a research study "The Effectiveness of Green Belts" which highlighted the role of Green Belts in helping urban regeneration by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land. Planning Policy Guidance note 2 on Green Belts was revised in 1995 to take account of the research results.