Moved by
Lord McKenzie of Luton
79C: After Clause 19, insert the following new Clause—
“National infrastructure projects: new towns
(1) The objects of a development corporation established for the purpose of creating a new town shall be to secure the physical laying out of infrastructure and the long-term sustainable development of the new town.
(2) In this section, sustainable development means managing the use, development and protection of land and natural resources in a way which enables people and communities to provide for their legitimate social, economic and cultural wellbeing while sustaining the potential of future generations to meet their own needs.
(3) In achieving sustainable development, development corporations should—
(a) positively identify suitable land for development in line with the economic, social and environmental objectives so as to improve the quality of life, wellbeing and health of people and the community;
(b) contribute to the sustainable economic development of the town;
(c) contribute to the cultural and artistic development of the town;
(d) protect and enhance the natural and historic environment;
(e) contribute to mitigation of and adaptation of climate change consistent with the objectives of the Climate Change Act 2008;
(f) promote high quality and inclusive design;
(g) ensure that decision-making is open, transparent, participative and accountable; and
(h) ensure that assets are managed in the long-term interest of the community.
(4) In this section “infrastructure” includes—
(a) water, electricity, gas, telecommunications, sewerage and other services;
(b) roads, railways and other transport facilities;
(c) retail and other business facilities;
(d) health, educational, employment and training facilities;
(e) social, religious, recreational and cultural facilities;
(f) green infrastructure and ecosystems;
(g) cremation and burial facilities; and
(h) community facilities not falling within paragraphs (a) to (f); and
“land” is defined as including all the matters set out in the definition of “land” in Schedule 1 to the Interpretation Act 1978, and also housing including (where the context permits) any yard, garden, outhouses and appurtenances belonging to, or usually enjoyed with, the building or part of building concerned.”