HC Deb 23 January 2003 vol 398 cc459-60W
Helen Southworth

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what action he will take to ensure that the PPG 3 sequentiality guidance is effectively applied to protect greenfield sites in the light of the judgment in the Court of Appeal in Rowlinson v. Warrington Borough Council [93004]

Mr. McNulty

Planning Policy Guidance Note 3: "Housing" makes clear the Government's commitment to meet the country's future housing needs in the most sustainable way, by giving priority to re-using previously-developed land within urban areas, bringing empty homes back into use and converting existing buildings, in preference to the development of greenfield sites.

It is normally for local planning authorities to determine planning applications made to them. In doing so they are required to take account of all considerations which may be material, including the guidance in PPG3.

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is not convinced that it is necessary to take any further action in the light of the decision in Rowlinson v. Warrington, which was determined on the facts of the case.