Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Local planning authorities are expected to create up-to-date local plans. However, some councils struggle with this task.
What steps he is taking to support local authorities in creating local plans. My local authority, Woking borough council, is doing exactly as the Minister asks: it is creating a local plan, which is where our democratically elected councillors decide where we will build the homes that local people need. Is there any point in local authorities pursuing local plans if planning reforms will render them toothless?
The plan-led approach is and must remain the cornerstone of our planning system, and we have been very clear that we expect all local planning authorities to make every possible effort to get up-to-date local plans in place as soon as possible. To support LPAs seeking to protect their communities from piecemeal and speculative development by getting up-to-date plans in place, we distributed £19.8 million following the publication of the revised NPPF in December 2024. We recently supplemented that funding with a further £15.7 million through our local plan implementation fund to support nearly 200 local planning authorities to progress plan development. I am afraid I refute the assertion the hon. Gentleman makes about what the NPPF will do to local plans. We do need local plans in place, and as I have said, the plan-led approach is the cornerstone of the system.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked if there is any point in pursuing local plans given planning reforms might render them toothless; the answer did not directly address this concern.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Local planning authorities are expected to create up-to-date local plans. However, some councils struggle with this task.
My local authority, Woking borough council, is doing exactly as the Minister asks: it is creating a local plan, which is where our democratically elected councillors decide where we will build the homes that local people need. Is there any point in local authorities pursuing local plans if planning reforms will render them toothless?
I am afraid I refute the assertion the hon. Gentleman makes about what the NPPF will do to local plans. We do need local plans in place, and as I have said, the plan-led approach is the cornerstone of the system. The NPPF kicks in where in certain instances authorities do not have an up-to-date local plan in place, which is the case for far too many.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked if there is any point in pursuing local plans given planning reforms might render them toothless; the answer did not directly address this concern.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Many villages in Suffolk need new affordable houses, but developers are not attracted to rural exception sites.
In Suffolk, many villages need new affordable houses, so what can be done to make the rural exception sites more attractive to developers?
My hon. Friend makes a really important point. We have spoken before about the importance of rural exception sites and what more can be done. In the NPPF consultation, which I have referenced, we set out proposals to strengthen rural exception site policy. As I have said, we are analysing the feedback received before we can set out the next steps.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked what can be done specifically to make rural exception sites more attractive; the answer did not provide any concrete actions or commitments beyond noting a consultation is underway and plans are being analysed.
Response accuracy