John Baron
Main Page: John Baron (Conservative - Basildon and Billericay)
Greg Clark
As I said, we have put in place transitional arrangements for plans that are in the process of being adopted, which gives weight to the policies already there, but obviously the weight increases once they are accepted and adopted. It is clear that the decisions on planning permissions always need to be given, however, whether they are in accordance with the development plan or other material considerations.
Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay) (Con)
Does my right hon. Friend agree that the acid test of this framework is whether green-belt land is developed against the wishes of local residents?
Greg Clark
The protections for the green belt in the NPPF make it absolutely clear that development on green belt should be refused other than in very tight circumstances similar to those that exist at the moment.