§ Mrs. SpelmanTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister by what date he will determine whether he will direct the Forest of Dean district council, under section 44(1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended), in relation to the adoption of their District Local Plan. [188294]
§ Keith HillOn 17 August 2004 the Government Office for the South West, on behalf of the Secretary of State, my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister, directed the Forest of Dean district council not to adopt the Local Plan. This direction will remain in place until it has been decided whether to intervene further. There is no statutory timetable prescribed for action under the provisions of section 44(1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) but my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister is anxious to ensure that the current situation is resolved as quickly as possible.