Asked by: Oliver Dowden (Conservative - Hertsmere)
Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what weight he gave to the likely effect on commuter train services of the work needed to the Elstree Tunnels when approving the Radlett Rail Freight Terminal.
Answered by Brandon Lewis
My rt. hon. Friend, the Secretary of State's letter of 14 July 2014 sets out the weightings he gave in his determination of this appeal. The letter is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/recovered-appeal-former-aerodrome-north-orbital-road-upper-colne-valley-hertfordshire-ref-2109433-14-july-2014.Asked by: Oliver Dowden (Conservative - Hertsmere)
Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what weight he gave to the likely effect on commuter train services of the work needed to the Elstree Tunnels when approving the Radlett Rail Freight Terminal.
Answered by Brandon Lewis
My rt. hon. Friend, the Secretary of State's letter of 14 July 2014 sets out the weightings he gave in his determination of this appeal. The letter is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/recovered-appeal-former-aerodrome-north-orbital-road-upper-colne-valley-hertfordshire-ref-2109433-14-july-2014.Asked by: Oliver Dowden (Conservative - Hertsmere)
Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 7 July 2015 to Question 4550, what estimate his Department made of what the source of the funding would be for the work required on the Elstree Tunnels prior to his approval of the planning application for the Radlett Strategic Rail Freight Terminal.
Answered by Brandon Lewis
The Secretary of State's decision letter of 14 July 2014 sets out in full the evidence he took into account in reaching his decision on this appeal. That letter is available to view at
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/recovered-appeal-former-aerodrome-north-orbital-road-upper-colne-valley-hertfordshire-ref-2109433-14-july-2014.
Asked by: Oliver Dowden (Conservative - Hertsmere)
Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 7 July 2015 to Question 4550, what estimate his Department made of the (a) cost and (b) timescale of work needing to be carried out on the Elstree Tunnels prior to his approval of the planning application for the Radlett Strategic Rail Freight Terminal.
Answered by Brandon Lewis
The Secretary of State's decision letter of 14 July 2014 sets out in full the evidence he took into account in reaching his decision on this appeal. That letter is available to view at
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/recovered-appeal-former-aerodrome-north-orbital-road-upper-colne-valley-hertfordshire-ref-2109433-14-july-2014.
Asked by: Oliver Dowden (Conservative - Hertsmere)
Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 7 July 2015 to Question 4550, what Rail Related Works are set out in the conditions attached to his approval of the Radlett Rail Freight Terminal.
Answered by Brandon Lewis
Conditions 12 and 13 of the Secretary of State’s decision letter (available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/recovered-appeal-former-aerodrome-north-orbital-road-upper-colne-valley-hertfordshire-ref-2109433-14-july-2014) are on Rail Related Works.
Asked by: Oliver Dowden (Conservative - Hertsmere)
Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department can take if there is a breach of the conditions set out in the his approval of the Radlett Rail Freight Terminal.
Answered by Brandon Lewis
None. Compliance with conditions is a matter for the local planning authority.
Asked by: Oliver Dowden (Conservative - Hertsmere)
Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what steps the Government is taking to protect the green belt; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Brandon Lewis
National planning policy gives strong protection to the Green Belt, making clear that most development is inappropriate, and that Green Belt should be altered only in exceptional circumstances, through the Local Plan process, and in consultation with the local community.
Local planning authorities are responsible for managing Green Belt in line with national policy set out in the National Planning Policy Framework. Local planning authorities must have due regard to national policies – including Green Belt - in planning to meet housing and other needs which indicate that development should be restricted.
Asked by: Oliver Dowden (Conservative - Hertsmere)
Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department is taking to support high streets.
Answered by Marcus Jones - Treasurer of HM Household (Deputy Chief Whip, House of Commons)
The Government is committed to supporting healthy and vibrant high streets. Since 2010, the Government has given over £18 million to towns – funding and up skilling local teams of people through the Town Team programme, boosting struggling town centres with the High Streets Innovation Fund and launching successful initiatives such as “Love your Local Market”. We have also issued guidance on digital high streets and how businesses can adapt to the latest technology.
In addition to the Government providing over £1.4 billion in business rates support, the review of Business Rates is underway for a rates system that properly reflects the structure of a modern economy. We have also introduced parking reforms including a mandatory 10 minute “grace period” at the end of on-street free and paid parking because good and affordable parking provision can play an important role in rejuvenating high streets and town centres.
The Great British High Street Awards, now in its second year, is in full swing and is currently open for entries, with the deadline extended to 1 September. Winners across the seven categories (London; City; Town centre; Market town; Coastal community; Local centre; Village) share a cash prize, but more importantly, receive mentoring and support such as free training to develop digital skills for local businesses. We have also introduced a new Rising Star award which will recognise entries that have taken great steps towards making their high street a better place.