Written question asked by David Lidington (Conservative) on Tuesday, 24 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 27 April 2001. It was answered by Baroness Hughes of Stretford (Labour) on Friday, 27 April 2001 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what powers are available to local authorities to use their planning powers to specify the tenure of housing in a new development; what plans he has to review those powers; and if he will make a statement. - Includes ref to Planning Policy Guidance note 3: 'Housing and Circular 6/98, 'Planning and Affordable Housing'.

Answer: Mr. Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what powers are available to local authorities to use their planning powers to specify the tenure of housing in a new development; what plans he has to review those powers; and if he will make a statement. [159430] Ms Beverley Hughes: The Government's policy on planning for affordable housing is set out in Planning Policy Guidance note 3: "Housing" and Circular 6/98, "Planning and Affordable Housing". This states that planning policy should not be expressed in favour of any particular form of tenure and that the term "affordable housing" encompasses both low-cost market and subsidised social housing. Based on their own assessments of need in their area, and development plan policies which state their intention to seek an element of affordable housing in suitable developments, local planning authorities may negotiate with developers for the types of affordable housing that will best meet local housing needs. We have no plans at present to revise the guidance.

Secondary information