Peter Bone
Main Page: Peter Bone (Independent - Wellingborough)
Mr Speaker
I normally think the hon. Gentleman is waiting behind the curve but he is ahead of the curve and we are grateful to him for that. After 30 years in the House his enthusiasm is undiminished.
Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con)
11. What steps he is taking to encourage development on brownfield sites.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Nick Boles)
I hope that in 30 years’ time my enthusiasm will be equivalent.
The national planning policy framework is clear that planning should encourage the effective use of land by reusing brownfield land if it is not of high environmental value.
Mr Bone
I thank the wise, intelligent and helpful Minister for that answer. In my constituency, we have a derelict brownfield site at Rushden Lakes Skew Bridge. The local Conservative-controlled council has given planning permission for a large retail and leisure development, which will create 2,000 new jobs. Does the Minister agree that that is exactly the sort of project the economy needs?
Nick Boles
My hon. Friend is aware that that application has been called in by the Secretary of State. I therefore cannot comment on it specifically, but I can reassure him that the Secretary of State, in all planning decisions, takes into account economic benefits, and all other impacts on the economy and the environment.