Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Martin Salter (Labour). It was answered on Monday, 14 September 2009 on behalf of the South East Regional Grand Committee.

House Building Targets

Question: Does the Minister share my concern that, despite the fact that West Berkshire council has had its housing numbers reduced following the Government’s wise decision to remove the Kennet meadows flood plain from the south-east plan, Conservative councillors have taken the extraordinary decision to include Pincents hill, on the edge of the area of outstanding natural beauty, as one of their preferred development zones, thereby obliterating the settlement boundary of west Reading?

Answer: I am not familiar with Pincents hill, but I am sure that my hon. Friend will provide me with details about it. In the announcement about the regional spatial strategies some areas had their housing numbers reduced and some, indeed, had them increased. We need to consider the balance, with respect to protecting the environment; he referred to the Kennet meadows and has raised concerns about the natural environment in another area. It is always a question of balance, but we need also to remember that there are 200,000 people on the waiting list in the region, who need homes. We need to do our level best to provide those homes.

Secondary information