§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his policy concerning(a) house building on brownfield sites and (b) out-of-town shopping centres. [28613]
§ Mr. Win GriffithsPlanning Guidance (Wales): Planning Policy (PG(W):PP), May 1996, includes guidance on the use of brownfield sites to reduce pressure for development on greenfield sites. It stresses the need for local planning authorities to make full and effective use of land within existing urban areas and to take account of the scope and potential for rehabilitation, conversion, clearance and redevelopment.
PG (W):PP also provides advice on retailing, setting out a commitment to sustain and enhance town centres. It introduces the sequential test which favours locating new shopping in town centres, then on edge of town centre sites and, only where those options are not available, on out of centre sites with good access to public transport.