Written question asked by Lord Bruce of Bennachie (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 29 November 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 December 2002. It was answered by Brian Wilson (Labour) on Monday, 9 December 2002 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, how many of the most recent development plans of local authorities in England and Wales make specific mention of renewable energy plans; and how many of these include technology-specific policies. - Including fact that information not held centrally. (Holding answer 3 December 2002).

Answer: Malcolm Bruce:: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many of the most recent development plans of local authorities in England and Wales make specific mention of renewable energy plans; and how many of these include technology-specific policies. [85320] Mr. Wilson: [holding answer 3 December 2002]: That information is not held centrally. Planning is a devolved matter. In England, local planning authorities are required, in formulating the policies in their development plans, to have regard to any regional and strategic planning guidance and to current national policies. Development Plans should therefore take account of Planning Policy Guidance Note 22, Renewable Energy, and formulate policies on renewable energy which are relevant to the local planning authority's area. In Wales, local planning authorities submit Unitary Development Plans for scrutiny by the Assembly to ensure regard is paid to national planning policy outlined in Planning Policy Wales and Technical Advice Note 8, Renewable Energy.

Secondary information