Written question asked by Robert Walter (Conservative) on Tuesday, 23 June 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 30 June 2009. It was answered by Lord Austin of Dudley (Labour) on Tuesday, 30 June 2009 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Green Belt: Dorset

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps his Department is taking to protect (a) the green belt and (b) open green spaces in Dorset.

Answer: The information is as follows.Green beltWe have made it clear that Government remain committed to the key principles of the green belt and is not changing green belt policy as set out in PPG2. However, this does not mean that green belt boundaries should be set in stone. Nationally the green belt continues to grow.Open green spacesThe Government's planning policies on open space are set out in planning policy guidance note 17 (PPG 17) "Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation (2002)". It recognises that well designed and implemented planning policies for open space, sport and recreation are fundamental to delivering broader Government objectives.Local planning authorities in Dorset, like in the rest of the UK, need to take these policies into account in the preparation of their development plans. PPG2 and PPG 17 may also be material considerations in deciding individual planning applications.

Secondary information