National Planning Policy Framework

Debate between Robert Buckland and Greg Clark

Tuesday 27th March 2012 Commons Chamber

[Greg Clark]

My hon. Friend knows that it is the Government’s intention to revoke the regional strategies. The courts have determined that they are in place and we are engaged in a voluntary strategic environmental assessment, which will be completed shortly, but the Government’s intention to get rid of these unwanted strategies is capable of being a material consideration.

[Mr Robert Buckland (South Swindon) (Con)]

I welcome references to a more localist approach when it comes to five-year land supply. Does that mean that authorities such as mine in Swindon will be able to argue that five-year land supply should take into account economic realities such as a slowdown in house building, rather than the prescriptive and rigid approach that is taken by far too many planning inspectors?

[Greg Clark]

Yes. Economic conditions vary from time to time and it is reasonable for local authorities to take them into account.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Robert Buckland and Greg Clark

Thursday 10th June 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Robert Buckland (South Swindon) (Con)]

T8. I apologise for asking this question earlier. On regional spatial strategies, what advice can the Secretary of State give to local authorities such as mine in Swindon about revising housing growth figures that now seem utterly outdated?

[Greg Clark]

My understanding is that, in the hon. Gentleman’s part of the world, the plan has not yet been submitted to the inspectors, so he should be able to go back and tell his councillors that they now have the opportunity to put forward plans that are in keeping with the needs of his area.