Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Green Spaces

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

  • Planning reforms aim to leave the natural world in better state for future generations
  • Agrees that communities should make most of existing developable land, repurposing and revitalising unused sites
  • Agrees to protect and enhance green belt as manifesto commitment

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Claire Coutinho Con East Surrey
Climate Environment
Context

The Government committed to protecting green spaces. The questioner inquires about considering a 'wild belt' designation as part of planning proposals.

Question

Will he consider looking at a new “wild belt” designation as part of the planning proposals?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

Planning reforms aim to leave the natural world in better state for future generations. The Secretary is interested in wild belts, but ongoing detailed design of reforms means consideration is continuing. Current changes include mandatory net gain for biodiversity through Environment Bill and requiring tree-lined streets in all new developments.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific designation details were not provided

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Q2 Nicola Richards
Housing Environment
Context

Communities in Greets Green and Lyng have long been promised a facelift but very little has yet been delivered. The questioner seeks agreement that green spaces should not be at risk of development while these areas go undeveloped.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that while these areas go undeveloped, it makes no sense for green spaces in other parts of West Bromwich East to be at risk of development?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

Agrees that communities should make most of existing developable land, repurposing and revitalising unused sites. The west midlands is meeting housing needs through brownfield sites with Government support via £100 million land fund and £108 million provided by brownfield fund.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific agreement on green space protection was not given

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Q3 Karl McCartney Con
Housing Environment
Context

There is demand for more housing but local green belts are being built on by large developers. The questioner seeks agreement to balance housing developments and ensure communities have the opportunity for smaller and individual housing within settlements.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that we must balance housing developments with the need to protect green spaces?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

Agrees to protect and enhance green belt as manifesto commitment. Planning system based on local plans where local people choose sites, including smaller brownfield sites for small/medium-sized developers such as local entrepreneurs in Lincoln.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific balancing measures were not detailed

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