House of Commons · Westminster Hall
09 September 2025 · 5 other contributors · 4,768 words
Opened by Allison Gardner Lab Stoke-on-Trent South
Responding minister: Matthew Pennycook
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Allison Gardner raised concerns about housing: north staffordshire in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
Dr Gardner asks the Minister to consider how parish councils can play a stronger role in planning, especially with devolution, and seeks co-ordinated action from multiple authorities to support affected communities due to the difficult issue of transport infrastructure. She also questions the current system's adequacy for upgrading sewer systems to meet new demands.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
With the publication of three draft local plans across her constituency, Dr Gardner highlights the struggle many constituents face in finding suitable affordable housing. She mentions specific challenges such as proposals for new developments on green-belt land and a large-scale development plan that would create significant impact on surrounding communities, raising concerns about loss of green space and strain on infrastructure.
Supports the idea of unlocking heritage assets and bringing vacant historic buildings back into use, suggesting they are a central part of delivering homes for families across Stoke-on-Trent. Discussed the need for a heritage building release fund to revitalise dormant historic buildings.
The council's draft local plan recognises the acute need for housing and is building on less desirable land to accommodate growth. The MP suggests establishing an urban development corporation in Hanley to aid land assembly and revive derelict sites. Suggested passporting Homes England compulsory purchase powers to local authorities for land assembly in built-up urban areas.
Supports Dr Gardner on housing developments, emphasizing the need to house over-55s with smaller units to free up larger homes for younger families and suggesting local authorities consider including such units in new housing.
Agrees with Dr Gardner, highlighting the chaos caused by large-scale housing developments without proper supporting infrastructure. He advocates that housing needs to be delivered properly rather than leaving residents in limbo. Asked about potential development in Eccleshall with poor infrastructure and requested a meeting with the Minister.
Emphasised the lack of brownfield land and the strategic approach to green-belt designation, noting the sequential approach for grey-belt land release. The Government have undertaken reforms to compulsory purchase powers, encouraging local authorities to explore new powers. The Planning Practice Guidance recommends using evidence of infrastructure requirements when preparing a local plan.
Government Response
Matthew PennycookThe Minister for Housing and Planning
The Government aims for plan-led development that provides necessary infrastructure, amenities, and services. Draft local plans are being advanced in parts of the constituency, essential for shaping community development. An up-to-date local plan is crucial to avoid detrimental impacts on individuals and communities due to a lack of planning. The Minister expresses willingness to further discuss urban development corporation possibilities. Discussed the Government's approach to brownfield-first development, green-belt preservation, and the sequential approach to grey-belt land release. Emphasised the commitment to high levels of affordable housing and public gain when developing on green-belt land.