Green Spaces Protection 2023-10-16
2023-10-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from the need to protect green spaces in communities.
What steps is his Department taking to protect green spaces? Through the Levelling Up Parks Fund, what specific measures are being taken?
Through the Levelling Up Parks Fund we have made available £9 million for local authorities in areas of high deprivation to create or significantly refurbish green spaces. The fund also includes the planting and maintaining of trees and encourages projects to work towards green flag award status.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern about inappropriate housing developments proposed on sites unsuitable due to biodiversity or proximity to special scientific interest areas.
What steps is she taking to ensure that proposed sites for housing that are completely unsuitable for reasons of biodiversity or lack of access or proximity to a site of special scientific interest are not taken forward and built upon? Specifically regarding a contentious application on Water Lane in Knaresborough.
My hon. Friend will, I hope, understand that I cannot comment on that specific case or situation, but it is really important that local authorities make decisions according to their local plans. In England, from January 2024 biodiversity net gain will apply to mitigate the impact of major development, requiring developers to deliver 10% biodiversity net gain.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific case comment avoided
Cannot Comment On Specific Case
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern about infrastructure capacity for additional housing developments in Silsden, Bradford.
If approved, the additional 140 houses will follow many hundreds of houses currently being built in Silsden. Does the Minister agree that Bradford Council should prioritise Silsden's infrastructure first, rather than seeing the area as a quick win for achieving its housing targets?
Local authorities have an obligation to spend section 106 receipts in line with the purpose for which they were agreed. We are committed to introducing new measures through the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill that will give greater certainty to local communities about the infrastructure that will be delivered in their area.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific case comment avoided
Cannot Comment On Specific Case
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
Discussion about the local plan process in Newcastle-under-Lyme and prioritising brownfield development.
Would the Minister join me in urging the council in its next draft to further prioritise brownfield development, which is the key to regeneration?
I can assure my hon. Friend that it is the Government's policy to strongly encourage local authorities to make the most of brownfield land first, especially for new homes.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Inquiry by the all-party parliamentary group for healthy homes and buildings recommending green space around houses.
Has the Minister had an opportunity to read the report from the APPG? If not, I will ensure that she gets a copy, and I hope that she will then come back to me on the recommendations. Specifically about having green spaces around energy-efficient homes.
I fully agree with his broader point that green spaces are vital for mental health and wellbeing, as well as physical health. I would be delighted to read the report from his APPG and respond to him.
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Assessment & feedback
Will Review And Respond
Response accuracy