§ 27. Mr. Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to ensure that structure plan population and housing growth figures are commensurate with anticipated employment opportunities and job creation projections. [4690]
§ Angela EagleExisting national policy (PPG 12) provides advice to local authorities on the content of structure plans, including the need to ensure that interactions between land use policies for housing and economic development are fully considered. It is open to the Secretary of State to object to a plan if this advice is ignored. These issues are also considered during the preparation of Regional Planning Guidance, issued by the Secretary of State. The Government is committed to a more integrated approach to the planning process at the regional level and is considering the role that Regional Chambers and Regional Development Agencies might play in this process.