Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between John Baron and Caroline Nokes
Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay) (Con)
1. What recent steps he has taken to increase the power of local authorities to tackle unauthorised development and protect the green belt.
Caroline Nokes (Romsey and Southampton North) (Con)
13. What steps he has taken to increase powers of local authorities to tackle unauthorised development.
The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Mr Eric Pickles)
We have previously made it absolutely clear that Traveller sites are inappropriate development in the green belt. We are also considering responses to our recent consultation on proposals to give councils more freedom to use temporary stop notices to take swift and effective action against unauthorised caravans in the green belt and elsewhere. This builds on our earlier reforms to strengthen councils' enforcement powers, increase protection for the green belt, and ensure fair play throughout planning.