HC Deb 10 November 2003 vol 413 cc161-2W
Mr. Clifton-Brown

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what role he will have under the new Planning Bill in deciding(a) the total number of houses that are to be included in the Regional Spatial Strategy and (b) the number of houses that each local authority is to be allocated; and whether county councils will become statutory consultees in this process. [136903]

Keith Hill

In relation to(a) under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Bill, as now, the regional planning body would propose the number of new dwellings that should be provided in its region. In relation to (b) the RPB would be able to distribute this provision on a sub-regional basis, for example according to housing market areas, and to identify the consequences for each local planning authority. Both the total number and its distribution would then be tested at an examination in public. My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister would receive a report of the Panel which conducted the examination and decide whether to confirm the proposals. Under the draft regulations for Part 1 of the Bill, county councils would be statutory consultees in the RPB's preparation of the draft figures.