Bill Esterson
Main Page: Bill Esterson (Labour - Sefton Central)(13 years, 3 months ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text
Greg Clark
The cost of developing a neighbourhood plan will depend on how detailed the plan being executed is. However, we are providing support for every neighbourhood that wants to produce a neighbourhood plan. We have ensured that support will be available even before the Bill is introduced, so that every community that wants to have a neighbourhood plan can get on with it.
Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab)
Is it not the case that the presumption in favour of development at the heart of the new planning framework puts every piece of green space at risk of development?
Greg Clark
I am glad that the hon. Gentleman has raised that question because it enables me to say categorically: no, the answer is that it does not. What the presumption says is that when a local plan is absent or silent, there will be an assessment of whether a development should go ahead, the test of which will be whether it is sustainable, which is absolutely crucial. I have been campaigning for the environment for my entire political career, and I will continue to do so.