HC Deb 11 February 2004 vol 417 cc1531-2W
Bob Spink

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what new settlements are proposed within the Thurrock Urban Development Corporation area pursuant to paragraph 24 of Sustainable Communities: an Urban Development Corporation for Thurrock. [153858]

Keith Hill

Issues relating to new settlements and related housing growth in Thurrock are currently determined by Regional Planning Guidance 9 and are set out within Thurrock Council's Local Plan, as adopted in September 1997.

The East of England Regional Assembly is currently in the process of preparing new Regional Planning Guidance for the East of England (RPG14). This will contain housing growth targets for all local authority areas within the region, including Thurrock.

As the plan making body for Thurrock, it will be for the Council to interpret the requirements of RPG14 and to determine the location(s) and the manner in which housing growth will be accommodated in the borough.