§ Lord Pattenasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they intend to take in the light of the conclusions of the inspector, Mr D Fenton, in his report on the South Somerset District Council local plan, published in June 2003, that "regrettably I find nothing in the plan as it is, in policy or phasing terms, which seeks to prioritise brownfield sites" (page 159, paragraph 3.5). [HL4203]
§ Lord RookerSouth Somerset District Council is now required to consider the inspector's report and decide what action to take on each of the recommendations. Although authorities will wish to accept the inspector's recommendations in most cases, it is not obliged to do so. If the council proposes modifications they will be published and interested parties will have six weeks to make objections or representations.
50WAI cannot comment further on the inspector's report since it is for the council to decide how to respond. The First Secretary of State is also able to register objections to any proposed modifications.