HC Deb 07 January 2003 vol 397 cc111-2W
Mrs. Calton

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to reform the planning system in such a way as to promote the supply of good quality affordable housing. [88547]

Mr. McNulty

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is fundamentally overhauling the planning system to make it more effective overall. Proposals for reform were set out in last July's planning policy statement "Sustainable Communities: delivering through planning", and we introduced into Parliament in December the "Planning and Compulsory Purchase" Bill. The office of the Deputy Prime Minister will publish early this year how it intends to achieve a step-change in building successful, thriving communities with affordable homes.