§ Mr. BaronTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions for what reason the Government do not allow local(a) residents and (b) authorities to decide on the level of local housing development in their areas. [6217]
§ Ms KeebleThe Government believe that a strategic approach should be taken in determining the level of housing development to ensure that every member of our society has the prospect of a decent home, that economic growth is not impeded and that our countryside is protected from unnecessary and insensitive development. Local authorities, representing the local electorate, play a key role in this process but Government may need to intervene in the wider public interest.