Residential Developments Infrastructure Provision 2023-01-09

2023-01-09

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Context
The question addresses the steps being taken to ensure infrastructure is provided early in residential development projects. It highlights a case study from Rugby where delays were observed.
What steps his Department is taking to encourage the early provision of infrastructure for residential developments? There is no better example than Houlton, Rugby, with 6,000 new homes. Access road went in after just 272 homes, primary school after 79 homes, secondary school after 776 homes. Currently, there are 1,000 new homes on site and the missing infrastructure is a primary healthcare facility. Discussions with local NHS are progressing too slowly.
I am pleased to hear about this successful development and look forward to seeing it. Due to the quasi-judicial role of Ministers in the planning system, I cannot comment on specific planning applications. However, as part of the new infrastructure levy, we are very committed to ensuring that the infrastructure delivery strategies, which councils will have to put together, will make it clearer to communities what will be provided. That should include things such as GP surgeries, which should have the integrated care board's support.
Assessment & feedback
Specific steps for immediate action on primary healthcare facility provision were not addressed
Quasi-Judicial Role Of Ministers In The Planning System
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Context
The question concerns the steps being taken to ensure infrastructure is provided early in residential development projects, focusing on a case study from Rugby.
What steps his Department is taking to encourage the early provision of infrastructure for residential developments. In Rugby's Houlton project, 6,000 new homes are planned with delays seen in access road and school construction. With 1,000 new homes already on site, primary healthcare facilities are missing due to slow NHS discussions.
Providing the right infrastructure at the right time is really important to communities. That is why, in the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill, we are introducing a new infrastructure levy that will more effectively deliver infrastructure such as schools, GP surgeries and roads. It will also give the ability to a local authority to collect that money earlier. We will be publishing a consultation on the new levy shortly.
Assessment & feedback
Specific immediate steps for healthcare provision were not detailed
Response accuracy