Written question asked by Caroline Spelman (Conservative) on Thursday, 11 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 November 2004. It was answered by Nick Raynsford (Labour) on Thursday, 18 November 2004 on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, if he will make a statement on the procedure for regional planning in the event of a regional chamber being dissolved.

Answer: Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the procedure for regional planning in the event of a regional chamber being dissolved. [198485] Mr. Raynsford: Since the issue of PPG12 in 1992, there has been an expectation that each English region should have up-to-date regional planning guidance in which the regional planning body would have an important role in preparing. That role is currently discharged by regional chambers, established following the Regional Development Agencies Act (1998). It would be very regrettable if a regional chamber were dissolved and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister see no reason why this should happen. But under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act, 2004, the regional planning body does not have to be the regional chamber and regional planning procedures are not dependent on there being regional chambers. The Act provides for a regional planning body to be recognised by the Secretary of State my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister, and for at least 60 per cent. of the members of that body to be members of local authorities, National Park Authorities and, where relevant, the Broads Authority.

Secondary information