§ Mrs. MayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many responses his Department received to the consultation on the Planning Green Paper; and when the results of the consultation will be published. [46965]
§ Mr. ByersWe have received over 13,000 responses to the consultation on the Planning Green Paper which we are now in the process of analysing. We will make a statement on the outcome of this exercise in due course.
§ Mr. SayeedTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps his Department is taking to encourage planning bodies to give greater prominence to energy developments in planning guidance. [48691]
§ Ms KeeblePlanning Policy Guidance Note (PPG) 22 on renewable energy provides local planning authorities with guidance on a range of issues that affect the siting of renewable energy developments. We have already initiated the process of reviewing this guidance before issuing a revised draft for consultation. In the meantime, we have pressed ahead with updating the PPG 22 technical guidance on photovoltaics. This is published today and copies are being sent to all local planning authorities. Copies have also been placed in the Libraries of the House.
Advice is also given on energy issues in PPG 11 (Regional Planning) and on utilities infrastructure in PPG 12 (Development Plans).