Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Housing Developments: Infrastructure

Monday 29 November 2021 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Laurence Robertson asked about ensuring infrastructure is in place before medium to large-scale housing developments start.
  • The Minister responded that the 4.3 billion housing infrastructure fund invests in improving connectivity and healthcare services.
  • Laurence Robertson questioned whether drainage capacity should be independently assessed before construction due to flood risks.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Laurence Robertson Con
NHS Housing
Context

The MP is concerned about ensuring adequate infrastructure before new housing developments start.

Question

If he will take steps to help ensure that additional infrastructure is in place before medium to large-scale housing developments are started; and if he will make a statement.

Answer from Christopher Pincher

That is exactly what we are doing. As we consider new housing developments, it is important to ensure that infrastructure is in place for local communities. Our £4.3 billion housing infrastructure fund seeks to achieve that by investing to improve connectivity, healthcare services and vital infrastructure before housing is built.

Answered
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Q2 Laurence Robertson Con
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The MP has visited his area and observed flood risks, leading to concerns about drainage capacity assessments.

Question

I welcome the Minister's words, but, having visited my area and observed the flood risk there, does he agree that the drainage capacity of an area should be assessed before any houses begin to be built, and that that assessment should be independent rather than being conducted by the water companies?

Answer from Christopher Pincher

As my hon. Friend will know, the national planning policy framework was amended in July this year to ensure that all sources of flood risk, including drainage, are fully considered before planning permission is granted by a local authority. Sustainable drainage infrastructure is hugely important. I should be happy to discuss the subject further with my hon. Friend, and I draw his attention to the speech that I made in last week's Adjournment debate in response to my hon. Friend the Member for Buckingham (Greg Smith).

Partly answered

Not addressed: Independent assessment by water companies

How: Will Be Happy To Discuss Further

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