§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans the Government have for the adoption of standards for access to(a) schools, (b) healthcare facilities, (c) leisure facilities, (d) open spaces, (e) shops and (f) new jobs in the communities that are planned in the Thames Gateway, Essex area. [152431]
§ Keith HillFor the Thames Gateway Essex area and elsewhere, Government planning policy (in particular Planning Policy Guidance 13) is to promote accessibility to jobs, shopping, leisure facilities and services by public transport, walking and cycling.
In addition, the Social Exclusion Unit's "Making the Connections" report, published in February 2003, sets out a strategy to help people on low incomes access work, food shops and key public services, notably education and healthcare. This includes the approach of accessibility planning in those areas that produce a Local Transport Plan, where local transport planners and others work together to examine accessibility needs 854W and how to overcome barriers. Accessibility planning is currently being piloted and various accessibility indicators are under consideration.
§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister how he will ensure that new housing development in the Thames Gateway, Essex area will meet(a) flood resistance standards sufficient for the Association of British Insurers and (b) high standards of design. [152432]
§ Keith HillThe Office of the Deputy Prime Minister recognises the importance of ensuring that new housing development in the Thames Gateway meets flood resistance standards. All new housing is subject to compliance with Planning Policy Guidance Note 25 on `Development and Flood Risk'. Furthermore, projects that the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is funding in the Thames Gateway are required to undertake an appropriate Flood Risk Assessment and consult with the Environment Agency where there is a potential risk of flooding. Officials in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister are also meeting with the Association of British Insurers to discuss flood management issues.
To ensure that new housing development meets high standards of design, Planning Policy Guidance Note 1 on 'General Policy and Principles' requires that "good design should be the aim of all those involved in the development process and should be encouraged everywhere". This policy is supported by our good practice guidance 'By Design'. Projects that the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is funding in the Thames Gateway have been selected against thematic objectives, one of which is "to implement a consistent policy of quality design". The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has also increased funding for the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE), who are launching the Growth Areas Housing Quality Forum in March 2004 to disseminate best practice. Furthermore, the Building for Life award has been developed by CABE, the House Builders Federation and the Civic Trust to reward development that incorporates high standards of design.
§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) whether the Thames Gateway area of Canvey Island will receive additional road access before the new housing development planned by the Thames Gateway initiative is completed; [152433]
(2) if he will instruct the Thames Gateway initiative to carry out a feasibility study on the provision of a new terminus station for Canvey Island. [152434]
§ Keith HillThe East of England Local Government Conference, the regional planning body that has jurisdiction for the Borough of Castle Point, is currently preparing a new Regional Planning Guidance for the East of England (RPG14). This will cover growth proposals for the local authority areas in South Essex with respect to housing and jobs. It will also provide commentary on the sub-region's transport infrastructure.
It is therefore open to partners to make representations for improved access to Canvey Island through the Regional Planning process, alongside the identification of locations where development should be supported within the region.
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§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) what investigations the Thames Gateway Initiative has carried out into the(a) numbers of vehicle movements (i) on to and (ii) off Canvey Island and (b) road capacity for access to the Island; [152435]
(2) what investigations the Thames Gateway Initiative has carried out into the (a) number of rail passengers originating from Canvey Island and (b) the capacity of the rail infrastructure. [152436]
§ Keith HillThe Thames Gateway Strategic Partnership that 1 chair has not undertaken any investigation of the number of vehicle movements to and from Canvey Island, nor the capacity of roads that provide access to and from the Island.
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has contributed to the London to Southend Movement Study, commissioned in 2003 by the Thames Gateway South Essex Partnership. The outcome of this study has yet to be published.
§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many planning applications for(a) housing and (b) mixed use development in the Thames Gateway, Essex area have been refused since March 2000 on the grounds of poor design. [152437]
§ Keith HillInformation relating to the number of planning applications refused in the Thames Gateway since March 2000 on grounds of poor design is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. All Local Planning Authorities within the Thames Gateway and elsewhere, are statutorily obliged to keep information relating to the status of individual planning applications within their area of operation.
§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the average residential density was of housing developments given planning permission since March 2000 in areas of south Essex which fall within the Thames Gateway. [152439]
§ Keith HillInformation relating to the average residential density of housing developments given planning permission in the south Essex Thames Gateway area since March 2000 is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. All Local Planning Authorities within the Thames Gateway and elsewhere, are obliged to keep information relating to the determination of planning applications within their area of operation.
Authority Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council CPA score weak Council' Improvement Priorities Title of focus of proposed Audit or Inspection activity Outline scope of proposed Audit or Inspection activity Proposed timetable for audit, inspection and other activity (if Known) Output of proposed Audit or Inspection activity Organisation(s) undertaking the audit and/or the inspection activity From To Strengthening Corporate and strategic planning Corporate Service and Financial Planning To assess development of corporate service and financial planning as part of Best Value Performance Plan audit July 2003 November 2003 Audit Report Audit Commission Strengthening Corporate and strategic planning Corporate Service and Financial Planning To assess development of medium term financial strategy January 2004 April 2004 Audit Report Audit Commission