Commons Sense

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Train Stations Walking Distance Definition 2026-09-07

2026-09-07

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Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Saqib Bhatti
▸ Context
The MP expresses concern over a policy that has caused distress in his constituency, particularly in historical villages like Hampton-in-Arden. He highlights potential risks to green belt land and infrastructure, suggesting Birmingham as a better area for housing development.
This policy has created a huge amount of consternation in my constituency, and it puts a huge amount of green-belt land at risk, especially in historical, beautiful villages such as Hampton-in-Arden, because there is one way in and one way out. There is a small GP surgery, and a school with just one form entry. My constituents fear that they will be overwhelmed and their green belt will be overrun. Would it not be better for the Minister to focus on growing housing in places like Birmingham, which needs more housing, and on ensuring a brownfield-first, infrastructure-first approach?
Matthew Pennycook
We need more housing in all parts of the country. We do have a brownfield-first approach, and we do want to see infrastructure delivered in a timely manner alongside housing developments, but it is absolutely right that we focus development within reasonable walking distance of train stations within settlements, or well connected stations outside settlements, including those in the green belt. As I have said, these are some of the most sustainable locations for new housing in the country. We have defined well connected stations by the 80 travel-to-work areas of the country, and we have also linked minimum density requirements to service frequency. There is a link between the number of trains that a station receives per hour and the amount of development that we want to see. However, I am more than happy to speak to the hon. Gentleman about the particular issues in his constituency.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The MP's specific ask about focusing on brownfield-first and infrastructure-first approaches in areas like Birmingham was not directly addressed.
Response accuracy