Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Green Spaces: Protection

Monday 16 October 2023 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Department has made 9 million available through the Levelling Up Parks Fund for local authorities in areas of high deprivation to create or refurbish green spaces.
  • Local authorities in England must decide on housing applications according to their local plans, with biodiversity net gain applying to major developments from January 2024.
  • The Government is committed to introducing measures through the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill to ensure greater certainty for local communities about infrastructure related to new developments.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Aaron Bell
Environment
Context

The question arises from the need to protect green spaces in communities.

Question

What steps is his Department taking to protect green spaces? Through the Levelling Up Parks Fund, what specific measures are being taken?

Answer from Rachel Maclean

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.

Answered
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Q2 Andrew Jones Con
Housing Environment
Context

Concern about inappropriate housing developments proposed on sites unsuitable due to biodiversity or proximity to special scientific interest areas.

Question

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.

Answer from Rachel Maclean

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific case comment avoided

How: Cannot Comment On Specific Case

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Q3 Robbie Moore Con Keighley and Ilkley
Housing Local Government
Context

Concern about infrastructure capacity for additional housing developments in Silsden, Bradford.

Question

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?

Answer from Rachel Maclean

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific case comment avoided

How: Cannot Comment On Specific Case

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Q4 Aaron Bell
Housing Local Government
Context

Discussion about the local plan process in Newcastle-under-Lyme and prioritising brownfield development.

Question

Would the Minister join me in urging the council in its next draft to further prioritise brownfield development, which is the key to regeneration?

Answer from Rachel Maclean

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.

Answered
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Q5 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Mental Health Environment
Context

Inquiry by the all-party parliamentary group for healthy homes and buildings recommending green space around houses.

Question

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.

Answer from Rachel Maclean

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.

Partly answered

How: Will Review And Respond

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