§ Mr LoveTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what guidelines he issues to local authorities considering the
900Wconstruction of new educational facilities on (a) green belt and (b) metropolitan open land; and if he will make a statement. [78081]
§ Mr. McNultyGuidance on all aspects of development in the green belt, including new educational facilities, is set out in planning policy guidance note (PPG) 2, green belts. Designated metropolitan open land has the same status as green belt, and the planning policies set out in PPG2 will also apply to such land. New educational facilities in the green belt will be subject to the same controls as other development in the green belt and proposals will need to demonstrate that very special circumstances exist, which 901W outweigh the harm caused to the green belt by the development, if they are to be granted planning permission.