House of Commons 22 July 2010

Written Answers (Communities & Local Government)

NATIONAL PARKS – PLANNING

Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment he has made of the adequacy of arrangements to encourage economic development in national parks through the planning process; and if he will make a statement. [9841]

Robert Neill: National policy set out in Planning Policy Statement 4: "Planning for Sustainable Economic Growth" supports economic development in rural areas, including locations remote from local service centres where small scale and the most sustainable option.

We will create a presumption in favour of sustainable development in the planning system and will provide incentives to help people to decide locally on what development is appropriate in their areas. In national parks, the conservation of the natural beauty of the landscape and countryside, wildlife and cultural heritage should carry great weight in planning decisions so that we protect the environment for future generations.