Newsdesk
COUNCILS CAN SAVE GREENFIELD SITES
31st July 2003The Government is revising Planning Guidance to encourage councils to release derelict land in industrial estates for housing (1). Citizens have until 31st October 2003 to support these proposals and in doing so protect valuable agricultural land and countryside from development. Hazel Dawe comments:
"Two consultation documents have been published outlining proposals to change Planning Policy Guidance on Housing. The first consultation document looks at the issue of land not currently needed for employment or commercial sites while the second proposes changes aimed at influencing the size, type and affordability of housing. The Green Party welcomes both these consultations. Referring particularly to the release of land on industrial estates, we note that claims of a shortage of land for commercial development are swept aside by the consultation. The Government has finally recognized that derelict sites in industrial estates remain empty in places like East Kent when new industrial estates are being created.
"The Green Party notes the dramatic rise in teleworking. From 1997 to 2001, teleworking in the UK rose 65%. This means not only a reduction in car journeys for many, but a boon to employers who can cut office space. The Department of Trade and Industry predicts that teleworkers could reach over 22% of the UK work force (2). This strongly suggests local councils could meet housing demand from existing industrial estates. The consultation papers can be found on the website of the Deputy Prime Minister be found at www.odpm.gov.uk or can be requested by post: ODPM Free Literature, PO Box 236, Wetherby LS23 7NB Tel: 0870 1226 236." ENDs c266 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Hazel Dawe, Campaigns Officer, 07960 956272 or 01233 645167. Contact address: 10 Hillbrow Road, Ashford, Kent TN23 4QH - Notes: 1. Revisions to Planning Policy Guidance 3, on Housing: They are Consultation Paper on a Proposed Change to Planning Policy Guidance Note 3 Housing - Supporting the delivery of new housing and Consultation Paper on a Proposed Change to Planning Policy Guidance Note 3 Housing - Influencing the size, type and affordability of housing. 2. Lynn Sloman Less Traffic where people live: how local transport schemes can help cut traffic London: Transport 2000 Trust, May 2003.
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