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Mr. Lilley
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement about Government policy on large-scale housing developments in the green belt. [8985]
Mr. Prescott
The Government's policy on development in the green belt is set out in planning policy guidance—PPG—2. There is a presumption against inappropriate development in the green belt unless very special circumstances exist which outweigh the harm caused by the development.Proposals in draft plans that would result in releasing land from the green belt must be fully justified. The Government are committed to protecting the green belt and encourage the recycling of land urban areas wherever possible to meet development needs.