To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will bring forward proposals to permit local authorities to prohibit the speculative subdivision and sale of small plots of (a) greenfield and (b) green belt land without planning permission. (290472)

There are existing planning powers available to local authorities to control the physical subdivision of land, principally Article 4 Directions which restrict permitted development rights. These powers can be used in relation to both greenfield and green belt land. The Government do not intend to bring forward further proposals at this time.