§ Mr. Ronnie CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he has set a target for the amount of new housing to be built on previously developed land. [17520]
§ Mr. PrescottNo, the Government have not yet taken a final decision on what target might be appropriate. In the meantime, the previous Government's target of 50 per cent. still applies. We are considering our policy on planning for household growth, taking into account the public consultation earlier this year, and will announce our decisions in due course. We remain committed both to protecting the countryside and to regenerating our towns and cities, by encouraging local authorities to make the best possible use of previously developed land. The presumption against inappropriate development within Green Belts remains in place.
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