Mr. Paul Hogan:

As already stated, it is important to have that sort of vision and strategy to look ahead. It does not necessarily mean additional land banks in circumstances where land is not being used. The guidance we have given local authorities with regard to making provision for future housing is that as well as new greenfield sites, there is a need to look at existing urban areas and brownfield sites, in addition to accounting for one-off rural housing, especially in rural local authorities, where a significant element of housing supply comes from individual houses. Those are the three principal means of providing housing. It is about accounting for that over the period.

The real issue, however, is to ensure there is a pipeline of sufficient land in order that land can be lined up for servicing in a way that enables development through pipes, sewers and roads, and the facilities for people who will live there, including schools and community facilities. It is about having that sort of line of sight and enabling things to be serviced. I emphasise the fact that this is not necessarily revenue generating because the zoned land tax only applies to serviced land. By and large, serviced land is what we expect to come forward sooner.

The committee will talk to the regulator. We certainly engage with the regulator as part of the various advisory forums we have had. No particular issue has been raised regarding ten-year plans that we are aware of. Clearly, the regulator's office will be able to outline its own views. Overall, stakeholders by and large agree that it is a useful initiative.