§ Mr. McLoughlinTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what guidance his Department issues to ensure that local authorities take account of economic importance in planning decisions. [170380]
§ Keith HillA number of planning policy statements set out the important role which planning policies and decisions can play in promoting sustainable economic growth, for example, draft Planning Policy Statement 1—Creating Sustainable Communities—on which we are currently consulting. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is currently working on a revision of Planning Policy Statement 4—Planning for Economic Development—on which we expect to consult later in the year.
The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Bill has been amended to require the applicant in respect of a development which is designated as a major infrastructure project, to prepare an economic impact report if the Secretary of State directs. Details on the form and content of such a report will be set out in secondary legislation on which we will consult in due course.