§ Mr. BlizzardTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to review planning policy guidance to facilitate increased job creation in the rural economy. [14177]
§ Mr. RaynsfordThe Government's planning policy for rural areas is contained in Planning Policy Guidance note (PPG)7 which was revised in February 1997. This reaffirms that the guiding principle in the countryside should be that development should both benefit economic activity and maintain or enhance the environment.
The revised PPG7 encourages business diversification and allows for greater discrimination in favour of re-use of rural buildings for business rather than for residential purposes.
It also makes it clear that the range of industries which can be successfully located in rural areas, without causing unacceptable disturbance, is expanding. It advises local authorities to make provision for commercial development in their local plans, and gives greater encouragement to, and guidance on, development proposals for agricultural diversification.
We have no plans to review PPG7.