Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Revised National Planning Framework

23 January 2024 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Maria Miller Con Basingstoke

HousingEnvironment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Maria Miller raised concerns about revised national planning framework in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Maria Miller, MP for Basingstoke, highlighted the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which grants local authorities more autonomy in setting house building targets.
  • Miller noted Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council's reliance on the standard method for determining housing needs despite the new freedoms under the NPPF.
  • Minister Lee Rowley acknowledged Miller's concerns and stated that the revised NPPF aims to promote sustainable housing development while protecting local environments.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Maria Miller Con Basingstoke

Maria Miller, MP for Basingstoke, highlighted the significant changes made by the Government to the national planning policy framework (NPPF), granting local authorities greater autonomy in setting house building targets. She noted that her local authority, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, had published a draft plan reflecting these new freedoms but was still reliant on the standard method for determining housing needs. Miller emphasised the unique challenges faced by Basingstoke due to its rapid population growth and ageing demographics, arguing that the council should use the NPPF’s provisions on 'exceptional circumstances' to justify reducing house building levels. She also mentioned local residents' groups such as Clean Air Green Environment (CAGE) and Save Our Lodden Valley Environment (SOLVE), which advocate for a reduction in housing development. Miller urged the council to take advantage of its new powers under the updated NPPF, noting that current high levels of house building strain public services and infrastructure.

Other contributors (1)
  • Grahame Morris Lab Easington

    Morris agreed with Miller’s point about reducing excessive house building, highlighting the importance of local communities having a say in planning decisions.

Government Response

Lee Rowley

Minister Lee Rowley acknowledged Maria Miller's concerns and emphasised that the Government's aim is to build more homes but in appropriate locations. He stated that updated guidance on the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) aims to promote sustainable, well-located housing development while protecting local environments. Rowley noted that Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council had exceeded housing delivery targets set out in its 2016 adopted plan but highlighted that the revised NPPF allows for exceptions based on 'exceptional circumstances'. He encouraged local authorities to consider these provisions when formulating their local plans, stressing that this flexibility aims to address unique situations like those faced by Basingstoke. Rowley also addressed concerns about balancing renewable energy projects with local needs and reiterated the Government’s commitment to ensure planning processes reflect community priorities.

▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy