Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Grey-belt Land

Monday 23 February 2026 · 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

  • Minister cannot comment on specific planning applications for Bromsgrove golf course.
  • Government seeks a strategic approach to green-belt land release to address housing demand.
  • Government focuses on building homes with existing planning permission on brownfield sites.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Bradley Thomas Con Bromsgrove
Environment
Context

The question arises from concerns over a specific golf course in Bromsgrove which is located in open countryside, containing 20,000 trees. The MP seeks clarity on the suitability of this land for housing developments.

Question

Does the Minister really think that Bromsgrove golf course, being in open countryside with more than 20,000 trees, is suitable for development? Will he rule out development on such golf courses?

Answer from Matthew Pennycook

The hon. Member knows why I cannot speak to particular planning applications, but it is for local planning authorities to determine whether exceptional circumstances exist to justify the release of green belt and to undertake assessments on grey-belt land through plan making or specific applications.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to ruling in or out development on particular sites, citing authority of local planners.

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Q2 Christopher Vince Lab Co-op Harlow
Housing
Context

The question is based on a report by the Office for Budget Responsibility concluding that this Government's changes to planning policy will lead to an unprecedented increase in house building. The MP seeks further action from the government to support more social and affordable homes.

Question

What more can this Government do to provide the uplift in social and affordable housing that residents in Harlow desperately need?

Answer from Matthew Pennycook

Our changes to the national planning policy framework have led to the biggest increase in house building in 40 years. We need a more strategic approach to green-belt land release, as brownfield sites are insufficient for meeting home demand.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to specific measures or timelines for social and affordable housing.

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Q3 David Simmonds Con Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
Housing
Context

The question highlights a report identifying London's capacity for additional housing on brownfield sites. The MP questions why the government does not focus on these sites instead of releasing green belt.

Question

Rather than focusing on releasing green belt for development, why do the Government not focus on building homes that already have planning permission and could be built on brownfield sites tomorrow?

Answer from Matthew Pennycook

The Government are focusing precisely on this. We have strengthened national planning policy in respect of previously developed land and our new homes accelerator is unblocking permission sites across the country.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific examples or timelines for brownfield site development.

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