§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment his Department has made of the proposal by the Civic Trust to introduce a levy of 10 per cent. on the value of green-field sites with planning permission; and if he will make a statement. [24465]
§ Mr. CabornWe want to stimulate a debate about the scope for using economic instruments to help achieve our planning objectives and we will take further account of the Civic Trust's proposal in that context. It is likely to be one of the items discussed when my hon. Friend the Minister for London and Construction meets the Director of the Civic Trust next week.
§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures he will take to protect green-field sites in the North East of Chelmsford and the Al2 corridor. [25291]
§ Mr. CabornThe Government wish to see as much new development as possible allocated to urban areas and existing settlements, and maximum use made of previously developed sites. Any proposals for the development of green-field sites in Essex are, initially, for the local planning authorities to consider. When examining such proposals they, and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, should he become involved, will have regard to national policies and the protection of the countryside, and to the need for new development to be suitable and environmentally acceptable.