HC Deb 18 January 1999 vol 323 c309W
Mr. Steen

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will instruct local authorities to keep registers of all brownfield sites in their districts indicating (i) dormant, (ii) derelict, (iii) vacant, (iv) underused and (v) underutilised land in(a) public and (b) private ownership. [66108]

Mr. Raynsford

The Government are now in the process of setting up the National Land Use Database. This will provide a comprehensive national picture of previously developed sites, including derelict land and vacant buildings, which may be available for development. First stage results are expected by the end of March. A copy of the specification for the database, listing the types and characteristics of the sites covered, has been placed in the Library of the House.

Mr. Steen

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will issue planning policy guidance to local planning authorities to consider refusal of planning applications for greenfield site developments until they are satisfied that brownfield sites have been fully utilised. [66107]

Mr. Raynsford

The priority to be given to the use of previously developed greenfield sites for housing will be considered in the draft revision of Planning Policy Guidance note on Housing (PPG3) which will be issued for consultation shortly.