Written question asked by Bill Wiggin (Conservative) on Tuesday, 12 March 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 March 2002. It was answered by Sally Keeble (Labour) on Monday, 18 March 2002 on behalf of the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions.

Dept for Transport Local Government and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, what powers the Government has to compel councils to build houses under the unitary development plan. - (Holding answer 15 March 2002).

Answer: Mr. Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what powers the Government have to compel councils to build houses under the unitary development plan. [43508] Ms Keeble: [holding answer 15 March 2002]: The Government have no powers in relation to unitary development plans to compel councils to build houses. However, unitary development plans are expected to provide sufficient housing land to meet the housing requirements of the whole community. Priority should be given to re-using urban brownfield sites in preference to greenfield land. The Secretary of State can direct changes to unitary development plans which conflict with national and regional housing policies without good local justification. He can also call in planning applications where the provision of housing is at issue.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 43508; 382 c39W;382 c22W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Construction Development plans Housing Land use Local government Planning Unitary development plans
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk