Planning Green Spaces 2026-09-07
2026-09-07
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner is concerned about the role of the planning system in providing green spaces for communities.
What steps her Department is taking to ensure that the planning system provides green spaces for communities.
Our new national planning policy framework strengthens support for green spaces by requiring local plans to set standards for green infrastructure and increase support for new and improved community facilities and public service infrastructure.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps and mechanisms to ensure green spaces are provided
We Are Committed To
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Residents of new estates like Norton Hall Meadow have reported neglect of woodlands managed by private management companies.
Will the Secretary of State ensure that, as we build new homes across the country, the planning system ensures that green spaces are available to all and maintained properly for decades to come?
The Government are committed to reducing the prevalence of private estate management arrangements and ending the injustice of fleecehold. We consulted on the proposals to increase the adoption of amenities and new estates, and we will respond in due course.
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Assessment & feedback
Concrete steps to ensure maintenance and availability of green spaces
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Secretary of State has doubled housing targets for Maldon district, causing concern about the impact on green spaces.
Will the Secretary of State meet me and my right hon. Friend the Member for Maldon (Sir John Whittingdale) to discuss the targets and the impact that they are having on the community and on green spaces?
We have set out our targets within the national planning policy framework and local plans, and I encourage authorities to make sure that their local plans are up to date. Natural England's standard on accessible green space stipulates that everyone should have access to good quality green and blue spaces close to home for health and wellbeing and contact with nature.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific meeting to discuss targets and impacts
We Are Committed To
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern over the impact of increased housing need and grey belt definition on green spaces in Guildford borough.
What assessment has the Secretary of State made of the potential impact of planning policy on green-belt land in my constituency, which falls within the Guildford borough area? Can she outline what steps her Government will take to protect green spaces for communities by ensuring that developers are directed towards genuine brownfield sites first, rather than development being concentrated on land around Guildford that was previously protected by the green belt?
We are making sure we are strengthening and clarifying the rules around the release of grey belt, but brownfield has to be used first. We are also strengthening policy provisions to support local authorities in planning for green space at a strategic level, to ensure that green space is available and that we have the housing and infrastructure people need.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific assessment of impact and detailed steps to protect green spaces
Under Review
Response accuracy