As the hon. Member for Eastleigh will be aware, the report of the Independent Panel that conducted an Examination in Public into the Draft East of England Plan was published in June.
At this stage in the process, when ministers are considering the Panel’s recommendations, it is not appropriate for me to respond to this question.
The next step is for the Government to publish and consult on Proposed Changes to the Draft Plan which take account of the Panel’s advice and earlier representations. The consultation will begin in December and run for 12 weeks to give interested parties a full opportunity to comment.
The Government will then consider all representations submitted on the Proposed Changes, and expects to publish the final Plan in mid 2007.