Planning (Rural Business Use)

Mr. Colvin
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultation he has carried out on the  introduction of a new rural business use class within the planning system; and if he will make a statement. [12339]

Sir Paul Beresford
My officials are currently preparing a public consultation paper on the possible introduction of a new rural business use class, as promised in the rural White Paper, Cm 3016. We hope to issue it in the spring.