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Planning for the Future — [Sir Charles Walker in the Chair]

15 December 2020

Lead MP

Sarah Olney
Richmond Park
Lib Dem

Responding Minister

Christopher Pincher

Tags

HousingClimate
Word Count: 13886
Other Contributors: 15

At a Glance

Sarah Olney raised concerns about planning for the future — [sir charles walker in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key Requests to Government:

The Government should embed net zero carbon ambition into planning policy through the legislative framework, making carbon reduction a material consideration in the planning process. They need to provide more opportunities for local authorities to address climate change and protect green spaces within their plans.

How the Debate Unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:

Lead Contributor

Richmond Park
Opened the debate
The White Paper proposes reforms to planning permissions, including zoning areas into growth, renewal and protected zones with different approval rules. This would remove local councillors' ability to scrutinise individual applications on their merits. The proposal also fails to address the climate emergency by not providing policies or funding for net zero carbon emissions, despite building a million homes since 2015 without such standards. Additionally, the zoned approach could lead to unsuitable development and environmental damage.

Government Response

Christopher Pincher
Government Response
The Government aims to create a quicker and more transparent planning system through proposed reforms, addressing local housing needs and affordability issues. The consultations on the White Paper received over 44,000 responses, requiring thorough analysis before legislation is drafted next year. The Minister emphasised the need for careful implementation of the proposed changes to ensure public consent and systemic cultural shift in the planning process. He highlighted the Government's commitment to build 300,000 new homes a year by mid-decade and introduced measures such as the £12.2 billion affordable homes programme. The Minister also mentioned plans for net gain in biodiversity through the Environment Bill and improvements in carbon emissions from new housing stock.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy

About Westminster Hall Debates

Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.