§ Mr. BestTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether the forthcoming review of Planning Policy Guidance Note 22: Renewable Energy will include the consideration of land use planning as a means of reducing the UK's energy demands. [140348]
§ Keith HillThe Government issued Draft Planning Policy Statement 22 (PPS22): "Renewable Energy" for consultation on 5 November. The document sets out the Government's new proposals for the handling of all types of renewable energy projects through the planning system. In addition, as promised in the Energy White Paper, this Government is currently examining, together with other government departments, how to bring consideration of the use of renewable and energy efficiency in developments more within the scope of the planning system.
§ Mr. BestTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what discussions he has had with colleagues in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs about the review of Planning Policy Guidance Note 22: Renewable Energy. [140349]
§ Keith HillMinisters in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister discussed the review of Planning Policy Guidance note 22: Renewable Energy at the 9 October meeting of the Ministerial Group on the Implementation of the Energy White Paper. This committee is jointly chaired by my right hon. Friend the Member for Derby South and my right hon. Friend the Member for Leicester West. My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister also sought written clearance on the consultation paper from ministerial colleagues. The ministerial activity has, at all stages, been underpinned by official level correspondence, discussions and meetings.