Oral Answers to Questions

Beccy Cooper Excerpts

Monday 2nd September 2024 Commons Chamber

[Matthew Pennycook]

We are not going to interfere in the discretion of local councils to make such decisions. What we are emphasising, as part of the NPPF consultation, is the importance of having a local plan in place. We have inherited a disastrous situation where only 31% of local authorities across the country have an up-to-date plan in place, and we need to do more to drive universal coverage. Local plans are the best way that local communities can shape development in their areas.

[Dr Beccy Cooper (Worthing West) (Lab)]

T9. Worthing West is 90% developed, and I am often contacted by residents who support new developments—particularly social rents and for first-time buyers—but are concerned that we must also value our increasingly urban green spaces. What steps are being taken to balance urban green space provision with our need for housing, to ensure all our communities are able to thrive and stay healthy?

[Matthew Pennycook]

The Government are committed to ensuring that development protects and provides—[Interruption.]