§ Mr. LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what balance of brownfield and greenfield development he expects to take place in each of the English regions in the next 15 years as a result of his statement on 7 March. [114412]
§ Mr. RaynsfordThe national target is that by 2008, 60 per cent. of additional housing should be provided on previously developed land or through conversions of existing buildings. Each region should propose, as part of its draft regional planning guidance, its own target to contribute to this national figure. Most have now done so. However, apart from in the south-east and East Anglia, these proposed targets have not yet been tested through the public examination process. My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister announced on 7 March that the target for the south-east region outside of London should be 60 per cent. London already achieves over 80 per cent. of residential development on recycled land or through conversions, and we expect that to continue. Announcement on the RPG for East Anglia will be made on 20 March.