HC Deb 26 November 1997 vol 301 cc556-7W
Mr. Tom King

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance he issues to planning authorities in respect of the design of dwellings for single person households. [17710]

Mr. Raynsford

Planning policy guidance on housing (PPG3) and several regional planning guidance documents advise local planning authorities to take account of demographic and social changes in the region, including the increasingly varied types of housing required, such as for single persons, small households and the elderly. The guidance, however, is concerned with the mix of types of housing, and does not give advice on the design of dwellings as such.

The issue of the special needs of small households was raised in the Green Paper on household growth and a large number of comments were received. These are still under consideration.