Supplementary memorandum by Office of
the Deputy Prime Minister (ERF 17(c))
The answers to the points you have raised are
set out below.
We have been advised by the Government Offices
that of the seven requests from RDAs to develop greenfield sites
in 2001-02, four were approved, two were refused and one is still
being considered. The approved projects were in the following
locations:
— Alpha Park, Thetford, Norfolk. An
18 hectare site that is sandwiched between existing industrial
developments and the A11. A business park is being developed on
the site. Brownfield sites in the area were not deemed to be of
a sufficient size;
— a 120 hectare site adjacent to junction
36 of the M62 motorway, Goole, Yorkshire. No suitable alternative
brownfield sites in the Goole area were available or of sufficient
size to meet the demand for industrial land;
— Callow Community Centre, Chesterfield,
Derbyshire. A half-acre site designated for community/recreation
use. There are no brownfield sites of the required size in the
area; and
— Falcon Court, Wirral International
Business Park. A 2.17 hectare site which forms part of the business
park. The site will be developed to provide 6,500 square metres
of industrial floor space.
We consulted the RDAs and EP in November 2001
on the need for a housing gap funding scheme. Three RDAs replied.
SW RDA were strongly in favour of a housing scheme. NW RDA and
Yorkshire Forward did not believe that a housing gap funding scheme
was required. The Scottish GRO scheme was subsequently approved
later that month, at which point we decided to prepare a draft
notification in consultation with the RDAs and EP;
Understand the concerns expressed by the CPRE.
However, the purpose of the proposed housing scheme is to provide
gap funding support for housing developments in areas characterised
by market failure, ie where the cost of provision is likely to
exceed forecast end values. Market failure is typically caused
by contamination, dereliction and/or the need to remove old and
derelict structures before developing the site. Our guidance to
RDAs and EP will make this clear.
The Commission does not publish notifications
after making a decision. This is because their decision letter
generally describes the approved scheme and sets out any conditions
or restrictions which may apply.
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