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Question
The MP questioned the ambitious target set by the Government, citing concerns about bulldozing democratic accountability in rural England. He pointed out that housing targets for urban areas are being lowered while those for predominantly rural areas could double, affecting local residents' rights to object to individual applications.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledged the scale of the task and the challenges but emphasised the Government's commitment to delivering higher rates of house building. He highlighted efforts to provide support through dedicated funding and planning capacity enhancement, aiming for a revised framework that maximises affordable homes across the country.
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Question
The MP inquired about the distribution of affordable housing within the 1.5 million target, expressing concerns over viability assessments reducing affordable homes and how many would be for social rent or purchase.
Minister reply
The Minister clarified that while recognising regional land value variances, a responsive approach to affordability targets is taken with a 15 percentage point premium up to 50%. He emphasised the importance of delivering more affordable homes through pragmatic measures and maximising delivery across different tenure types.
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Question
The MP questioned the consistency in funding planning authorities, noting an increase from £20 million to £100 million for capacity support.
Minister reply
The Minister explained that the increased investment reflects a commitment to supporting local leaders trying to deliver homes, including dedicated funding and planning capacity enhancements aimed at accelerating home delivery.
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Question
The MP welcomed ambitious housing targets but criticised the Government’s approach as a 'war on rural England', citing reduced affordable homes for urban areas, weakening green belt restrictions, and overestimating housing needs in predominantly rural regions. He raised concerns about planning capacity and the impact of new visa requirements.
Minister reply
The Minister thanked the MP for his support but defended the Government’s approach, emphasising that there were inaccuracies in the criticism. He clarified that they are focusing growth across city regions, restricting viability assessments on green belt land until updated policy guidance is issued, and prioritising up-to-date local plans.
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Question
The MP welcomed greater detail on NPPF changes but questioned the adequacy of social housing provision, highlighting the need for more affordable homes to help those in temporary accommodation. She also raised concerns about land classification affecting local developments.
Minister reply
The Minister thanked the Chair of the Select Committee and emphasised the importance of delivering social rented homes given their role in addressing the housing crisis. He assured that targeted changes to the NPPF would support infrastructure delivery, ensuring a higher proportion of affordable housing and public benefits.
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Question
The Liberal Democrats support the provision of new homes, highlighting Somerset West and Taunton's rapid growth under their control. They also urge for a six-month transition period on renewable energy policies, criticising top-down planning diktats and advocating for community-led decisions in housing development.
Minister reply
Welcomes broad support for the framework but refutes claims of bypassing local democracy. Encourages adoption of up-to-date local plans to shape development. Promises reforms to CPO and disapplying hope value.
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Question
Asks for details on ensuring quality homes are built alongside necessary infrastructure, particularly schools, in Newcastle.
Minister reply
Acknowledges past Conservative neglect but supports essential infrastructure and quality development units through the framework changes. Refutes claim of planning concern group's reduction of housing targets.
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Question
Asks about councils that either choose not to have a local plan or are unable to meet the housing targets, citing Three Rivers district council.
Minister reply
Determines to drive up coverage of up-to-date local plans. Sets 12-week deadline for authorities to detail how they will put local plans in place, threatening ministerial intervention if necessary.
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Question
Welcomes statement on affordable homes but asks about approach when there are multiple local plans, such as the London plan and borough plans.
Minister reply
Explains new method producing a figure for London of nearly 88,000, more than double recent delivery. Emphasises Mayor's role in distributing targets across London.
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Question
Asks about new powers for councils to build development infrastructure before housing is built.
Minister reply
Acknowledges local authorities' requirement to plan for infrastructure delivery. Supports framework changes today and considers further reforms for front-end infrastructure.
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Question
Cites Barking's housing crisis, asking about viability and land value considerations holding up development schemes.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the stalling effect of viability on development. Supports planning capacity support through new homes accelerator and other forms to ensure consented schemes are built out.
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Question
This centrally driven intervention drives a coach and horses through green belt areas such as Aldridge-Brownhills and through local democracy. How will the Minister ensure that local communities are respected and have a voice, so that we build the right homes in the right places?
Minister reply
I return to a point that I have made several times during this statement. The onus is on local communities and elected leaders to put in place up-to-date local plans that shape where development is to take place. We support brownfield-first developments and are consulting on proposals for a brownfield passport to fast-track brownfield development.
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Question
I salute my hon. Friend’s energy for these targets, but how will he ensure that nature is not the victim of his commitment? Brownfield sites are often biodiverse and trying to achieve biodiversity net gain alongside other commitments means they are not profitable.
Minister reply
We have made changes to strengthen environmental protections in the framework, including references to climate mitigation and adaptation. We welcome a detailed conversation on how BNG can be successfully rolled out across small sites.
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Question
Does he not realise that by effectively absolving the Mayor of London of his housing responsibilities, he is exacerbating the problem of inner-London boroughs using green fields for development? What steps will be taken to support brownfield first?
Minister reply
We are resetting the standard method and not absolving the Mayor of London of his responsibilities. We maintain protections for agricultural land in the national planning policy framework.
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Question
The issue on Wirral goes further, with children leaving the area to get on the housing ladder. What steps can the Department take to support Wirral council in achieving its brownfield first approach?
Minister reply
We are consulting through a working paper on proposals for a brownfield passport and exploring how we can prioritise and fast-track the development of that land.
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Question
I invite the Minister to come to Mid Sussex and see what good planning looks like. We have a local plan, a design guide, and are delivering 1,000 houses a year.
Minister reply
We commend the hon. Lady’s local authority for its focus on quality and good design.
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Question
Will the Minister confirm that social housing means social rented homes, not affordable housing? If we are to concentrate on brownfield sites, will the Minister make the point to the Chancellor that she might have to reconsider the amount of social housing grant?
Minister reply
We are making a distinction between social rented homes and others through changes to the glossary in the framework. We are exploring how Government funds supporting brownfield delivery might be improved.
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Question
Developers ration supply in order to keep prices high, so will he consider implementing 'use it or lose it' principles for planning permissions?
Minister reply
Local authorities already have powers to issue a completion notice to require a developer to complete a stalled development. We seek to implement build-out reporting for greater transparency and accountability.
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Question
I congratulate my hon. Friend on his statement, particularly the importance he places on sustainability. Will he provide this much-needed boost for declining populations such as swifts by ensuring that these simple requirements are in the NPPF and have statutory weight?
Minister reply
We have added text to the NPPF to encourage features protecting threatened species including swifts, bats, and hedgehogs. We will consult on the NDMPs in spring next year.
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Question
The town of Wimborne in the constituency has experienced significant growth with insufficient infrastructure. The MP seeks measures to enforce developers' commitments.
Minister reply
There are framework measures that help achieve these objectives, including strengthening developer contributions so applicants adhere to their promises under section 106 agreements and empowering councils to negotiate better.
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Question
Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole council's local plan does not meet the new housing targets. The MP asks for steps to address this gap.
Minister reply
The Government will publish a formal response detailing how they deal with advanced-stage plan preparation, helping local authorities top up their housing supply to align better with the standard method.
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Question
The MP calls for reaffirmation of the principle that infrastructure must precede home construction. He mentions a 9,000-home project contingent on A1331 road completion.
Minister reply
While supporting the objective, the Minister highlights previous Government's inaction and notes measures within the framework to support infrastructure delivery.
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Question
The MP raises a case of social housing inadequacy and asks if the new plans will improve situations like this.
Minister reply
Though outside the framework, the Minister confirms targeted changes to support affordable homes and introduces plans for a decent homes standard and Awaab’s law.
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Question
Concerns are raised about differing housing targets between urban and suburban areas. The MP seeks clarity on specific cities' targets.
Minister reply
The Minister clarifies that housing targets are increasing across metropolitan areas.
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Question
Welcoming the statement, the MP requests assurances that productive agricultural land will not be the default in a brownfield-first approach.
Minister reply
The Minister confirms a brownfield-first approach, with green belt reviews for lowest-quality land only when brownfield options are exhausted.
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Question
The MP seeks assurances that design codes will be prioritised to create beautiful places. He asks the Minister to write to local authorities for clarity.
Minister reply
Design remains a key planning determinant with an entire NPPF chapter dedicated to it. The Minister pledges updates on national design guide and model code in the new year.
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Question
The MP criticises the Conservative party's record on housing and seeks assurances about policy consistency and capacity for planners.
Minister reply
Consistency in national policy is promised, with transitional funding of £100 million to help local authorities meet new requirements.
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Question
Acknowledging challenges about viability, the MP welcomes affordable housing targets but emphasises that 20% is better than nothing.
Minister reply
The Minister explains dropping a pure 50% requirement for more locally sensitive rates via a 15 percentage point premium on local affordable housing targets.
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Question
Highlighting the need for planning reform to aid economic growth and businesses, the MP seeks Minister's agreement.
Minister reply
The Minister agrees that addressing the housing crisis is crucial for economic growth, with a focus on maximising potential in towns and cities.
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Question
Concerns about the impact of mandatory housing targets and grey belt policy on greenbelt land in Hertfordshire.
Minister reply
Clarifies that the reforms aim to preserve the green belt while ensuring strategic planning for housing growth across regions.
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Question
Calls for serious action on home ownership, referencing statistics about social housing and temporary accommodation.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the need to address stagnant home ownership rates and outlines plans such as a mortgage guarantee scheme.
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Question
Questions the increase in housing targets for rural areas like Reigate while targets are reduced for urban areas.
Minister reply
Explains that targets will be achievable through brownfield development and cross-boundary strategic planning.
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Question
Highlights the challenges rural communities face in providing homes for younger generations, pressing for appropriate housing solutions.
Minister reply
Affirms that reforms aim to bring forward necessary planning permissions and address delivery of homes.
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Question
Concerns about local authorities being vulnerable to speculative applications during the transition period.
Minister reply
Acknowledges that authorities without up-to-date local plans will be at risk but emphasises support for those working towards it.
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Question
Queries how today's announcement will aid SME house builders in bringing forward sites suitable for development.
Minister reply
Announces changes to the planning framework that focus on mixed-tenure sites which can benefit SMEs.
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Question
Asks about financial arrangements to ensure developers fund infrastructure ahead of house building.
Minister reply
Commits to considering ways to streamline infrastructure funding processes to support development targets.
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Question
Requests more information on increasing affordable and social housing in new developments like Ebbsfleet garden city.
Minister reply
Confirms plans to strengthen the developer contribution system and considers further Government investment.
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Question
Seeks guidance for councils dealing with a combination of housing waiting lists, empty spaces, and town centres.
Minister reply
Encourages strategic cross-boundary planning and supports the idea of densifying town centres.
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Question
Questions whether central control is necessary for streamlining the planning system, emphasising local involvement.
Minister reply
Suggests a balance between expert planning decisions and community influence on major developments.
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Question
Across the United Kingdom, there is a need for dedicated apartments for those over 55 to free up homes and social housing. Will the Minister consider discussions with Cabinet colleagues and the Northern Ireland Assembly to secure funding for complexes in both towns and rural areas?
Minister reply
The previous Government appointed an older people’s housing taskforce that published recommendations, which we are engaging with. The planning system needs to evolve to adapt to demographic changes.
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Question
This subject warrants a full-day debate and may I ask about the case for housing targets in areas that are part-in, part-out of national parks?
Minister reply
Local authorities will need to engage with mandatory higher housing targets when developing local plans. These plans will be tested by the Planning Inspectorate to ensure they account for hard constraints such as environmental protections.
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Question
The Minister supports an infrastructure-first approach, will he work with Treasury and Department for Transport colleagues to approve funding for A10 West Winch housing access road, essential to unlock thousands of homes in the local plan?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman’s request has been put on record and I will ensure that my ministerial colleagues are made aware of it.
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Question
When the Government was asked about a new east coast main line station to support 6,500 homes at Alconbury Weald, they did not provide clear answers. How will the NPPF ensure that large developments get the necessary infrastructure?
Minister reply
I refer the hon. Gentleman to my previous answers on that point.