§ Ms BuckTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how he intends the new approach to planning for future housing 531W requirements to be taken into account in existing reviews of regional planning guidance and development plans. [37596]
§ Mr. CabornThe statement "Planning for the Communities of the Future", Cmnd 3885, points out, in paragraph 33, the need for an orderly transition from the old to the new policy. The new approach will be introduced, as soon as possible, through reviews of Regional Planning Guidance. We will discuss with the Regional Planning Conferences how far it will be possible to introduce the new arrangements into existing review processes, some of which are likely to be completed next year. In the meantime, where development plans are being replaced or altered, they should continue to have regard, inter alia, to existing regional guidance. However, in considering whether to object to proposals put forward in development plans, the Secretary of State will treat each case on its merits, taking account of national policy, including that in the statement. A more detailed note on the transitional position has been placed in the Library.