Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Environmental Protections: Development

Monday 14 June 2021 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Gareth Bacon asked about publishing the Government's plans for environmental protections in the development process, noting 44,000 responses to a consultation.
  • The Minister responded that the Government is analyzing the consultation responses and will publish a detailed response in due course, emphasizing the commitment to better protections.
  • Ruth Cadbury inquired if the Government would commit to clear and measurable environmental targets in their planning Bill, highlighting the need to address the climate crisis.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Gareth Bacon Con Orpington
Environment
Context

The MP is concerned about the lack of clarity on the Government's plans for environmental protection in planning reforms.

Question

If he will publish the Government's plans for environmental protections in the development process. The planning for the future consultation closed in October 2020, and it generated an enormous amount of interest, with 44,000 responses. I am concerned about the clarity on these reforms.

Answer from Christopher Pincher

The planning for the future consultation closed in October 2020, and it generated an enormous amount of interest, with 44,000 responses. We are analysing those responses and will respond to the consultation in due course. We are committed to planning reforms that are intended to provide better protection for environmental assets.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about publishing plans was not directly addressed; response was vague on timeline of plan release.

How: We Are Analysing Those Responses And Will Respond To The Consultation In Due Course.

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Q2 Gareth Bacon Con Orpington
Local Government Environment
Context

The MP is concerned about green belt land being protected from inappropriate development, given the need for new housing and infrastructure.

Question

What guarantees can my right hon. Friend give me and my constituents that green-belt and greenfield land will be protected from inappropriate development? My Orpington constituency is two-thirds rural.

Answer from Christopher Pincher

We are committed not only to protecting the green belt but also to enhancing it, and those protections will remain in force when we bring in planning reforms. We will not undertake a wholesale reform of the green belt as suggested by the Select Committee. Local authorities may alter green-belt boundaries only under exceptional circumstances, showing real evidence that all other options have been examined.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about guarantees was not directly addressed; response focused on general commitment without concrete assurances.

How: We Are Committed To The Green Belt And Will Fight For It.

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Q3 Ruth Cadbury Lab Brentford and Isleworth
Climate Environment
Context

The MP is concerned about the Government's green credentials following the refusal to block a proposed coalmine in Cumbria, questioning if the government will commit to clear environmental targets.

Question

Will the Minister take the opportunity to show that the Government takes our environment and climate crisis seriously? The planning system must address these issues. Will the Government commit to clear and measurable environmental targets in their planning Bill?

Answer from Christopher Pincher

First, I welcome the hon. Lady as shadow planning Minister; we share a commitment to protect the environment. This Government were the first to commit to net zero emissions, ensuring future homes are decarbonised by at least 75%, and the Environment Bill will ensure biodiversity net gain of 10%. These environmental proposals will be baked into our planning reforms.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about clear and measurable targets was not directly addressed; response focused on existing commitments without specifics for the upcoming bill.

How: We Share A Commitment To Protect The Environment

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