House of Commons · Westminster Hall
23 April 2025 · 5 other contributors · 5,161 words
Opened by Blake Stephenson Con Mid Bedfordshire
Responding minister: Matthew Pennycook
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Blake Stephenson raised concerns about planning and development: bedfordshire in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
Calls for better planning to deliver good-quality homes in the right places, protect historic character, countryside, and public amenities, ensuring developers meet promises on green spaces, flood protections, and local facilities.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Mid Bedfordshire has a history of industrial development but now faces challenges with bad housing estates, soulless developments that worsen quality of life, and lack of proper infrastructure. Residents are frustrated by the impact on flood risk, local amenities, and community services.
Highlights the issue of unspent section 106 contributions by Central Bedfordshire Council, urging it to use funds for infrastructure and remove barriers hindering its provision.
Asked the Minister about building on flood plains and highlighted concerns of his constituents in North Bedfordshire.
Complements Blake Stephenson's debate and suggests repurposing empty buildings in town centres to restore them without encroaching on rural land.
Acknowledged Richard Fuller's point regarding the importance of addressing legacy issues such as public service backlogs when planning for new housing developments. Inquired about Universal Studios proposals and discussed issues related to sustainable drainage techniques for new developments. The Government have been clear that new towns will deliver over and above the targets produced by the standard method. They will keep under review how the taskforce’s forthcoming recommendations on new towns interact with housing targets across the country.
The hon. Member questions whether the Government will provide clarity on new towns such as the potential one in Tempsford, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the town's population and infrastructure needs. Expressed concerns about the backlog of public services due to rapid population growth in Bedfordshire and highlighted the need for addressing legacy issues alongside new housing provision.
Government Response
Matthew PennycookThe Minister for Housing and Planning
The hon. Member for Mid Bedfordshire raised clear concerns about development and infrastructure provision. The Government is committed to ensuring that developers deliver on their promises, including timely completion of projects and delivery of promised infrastructure. Discussed the Government's plans to support sustainable development in rural areas, increase affordable housing supply through measures like higher affordable housing contributions and rural exception sites, and improve infrastructure provision alongside new developments. Discussed the need for local development plans addressing infrastructure needs and financial support through programmes like the housing infrastructure fund. Highlighted measures to ensure exemplary development and mentioned efforts related to brownfield-first approach and green belt land release. Addressed concerns about building on flood plains by emphasizing the use of best available flood risk data and sustainable drainage techniques, while noting ongoing exploration for further changes. Announced plans for a new generation of new towns aiming for 10,000 homes each with at least 40% affordable housing.