Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how the Government intends to monitor and enforce compliance with the golden rules requiring at least 50% affordable housing, infrastructure improvements and accessible green space on major grey belt developments; and what steps are being taken where developers seek to renegotiate these requirements on viability grounds.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government has not changed the five purposes of the Green Belt set out in paragraph 143 of the NPPF, and we do not propose to alter its general extent.

In its response to the 30 July 2024 to 24 September 2024 consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and other changes to the planning system consultation, and having considered the feedback received, the government clarified that grey belt land is Green Belt land which does not strongly contribute to Green Belt Purposes (a), (b), and (d).

My Department published updated guidance on Green Belt policy on 27 February 2025 to assist local authorities and other decision-makers, including planning inspectors, in determining whether land is grey belt. It can be found on gov.uk here. It is for decision-makers to consider how best to apply the policy to particular local circumstances. As set out in Planning Practice Guidance, where grey belt is identified, it does not automatically follow that it should be allocated for development, or released from the Green Belt, or that development proposals will be approved in all circumstances.

My Department does not hold data on how many sites, including sites that are previously developed land, have been formally identified as grey belt land by local planning authorities since December 2024.

The revised NPPF published on 12 December 2024 includes ‘Golden Rules’ for major development involving the provision of housing on land that is situated within, or released from, the Green Belt. The NPPF must be taken into account in preparing local development plans and is a material consideration in planning decisions.

The updated planning practice guidance on the Green Belt published on 27 February 2025 sets out how local planning authorities should apply the new ‘Golden Rule’ on green space provision, including how they should consider accessibility, quality, and alignment with Local Nature Recovery Strategies.

The government’s planning practice guidance on viability makes clear that where development is subject to the ‘Golden Rules’, site specific viability assessment should not be used for the purpose of reducing developer contributions. The guidance is available on gov.uk here.

It is for local planning authorities themselves to determine whether exceptional circumstances exist that justify the release of Green Belt. Before concluding that exceptional circumstances exist to justify changes to Green Belt boundaries, local planning authorities should be able to demonstrate that it has examined fully all other reasonable options for meeting its identified need for development – including making as much use as possible of suitable brownfield sites and underutilised land, optimising the density of development, and working with neighbouring authorities to assess whether identified need might be sensibly accommodated.

Local planning authorities can only adopt a plan that is found sound following examination. For a plan to be considered sound it should be positively prepared, justified, effective, and consistent with national policy – the tests of soundness are set out in the NPPF.

Planning Inspectors are required to determine appeals in accordance with the development plan for the area, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. In coming to a decision, the Inspector will give careful consideration to the planning merits of the case, having regard to the local plan and other material considerations. The NPPF must be taken into account in preparing the development plan, and is a material consideration in planning decisions.

The government monitors and publishes data on planning permissions granted, quarterly data on starts and completions, and annual statistics showing the extent of England’s Green Belt, including changes resulting from land being released from, or added to, the Green Belt.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to his Department's publication entitled National Planning Policy Framework, published in December 2024, how many sites have been formally identified as grey belt land by local planning authorities since December 2024; and what steps his Department is taking to ensure consistency in how local authorities apply the grey belt definition.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government has not changed the five purposes of the Green Belt set out in paragraph 143 of the NPPF, and we do not propose to alter its general extent.

In its response to the 30 July 2024 to 24 September 2024 consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and other changes to the planning system consultation, and having considered the feedback received, the government clarified that grey belt land is Green Belt land which does not strongly contribute to Green Belt Purposes (a), (b), and (d).

My Department published updated guidance on Green Belt policy on 27 February 2025 to assist local authorities and other decision-makers, including planning inspectors, in determining whether land is grey belt. It can be found on gov.uk here. It is for decision-makers to consider how best to apply the policy to particular local circumstances. As set out in Planning Practice Guidance, where grey belt is identified, it does not automatically follow that it should be allocated for development, or released from the Green Belt, or that development proposals will be approved in all circumstances.

My Department does not hold data on how many sites, including sites that are previously developed land, have been formally identified as grey belt land by local planning authorities since December 2024.

The revised NPPF published on 12 December 2024 includes ‘Golden Rules’ for major development involving the provision of housing on land that is situated within, or released from, the Green Belt. The NPPF must be taken into account in preparing local development plans and is a material consideration in planning decisions.

The updated planning practice guidance on the Green Belt published on 27 February 2025 sets out how local planning authorities should apply the new ‘Golden Rule’ on green space provision, including how they should consider accessibility, quality, and alignment with Local Nature Recovery Strategies.

The government’s planning practice guidance on viability makes clear that where development is subject to the ‘Golden Rules’, site specific viability assessment should not be used for the purpose of reducing developer contributions. The guidance is available on gov.uk here.

It is for local planning authorities themselves to determine whether exceptional circumstances exist that justify the release of Green Belt. Before concluding that exceptional circumstances exist to justify changes to Green Belt boundaries, local planning authorities should be able to demonstrate that it has examined fully all other reasonable options for meeting its identified need for development – including making as much use as possible of suitable brownfield sites and underutilised land, optimising the density of development, and working with neighbouring authorities to assess whether identified need might be sensibly accommodated.

Local planning authorities can only adopt a plan that is found sound following examination. For a plan to be considered sound it should be positively prepared, justified, effective, and consistent with national policy – the tests of soundness are set out in the NPPF.

Planning Inspectors are required to determine appeals in accordance with the development plan for the area, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. In coming to a decision, the Inspector will give careful consideration to the planning merits of the case, having regard to the local plan and other material considerations. The NPPF must be taken into account in preparing the development plan, and is a material consideration in planning decisions.

The government monitors and publishes data on planning permissions granted, quarterly data on starts and completions, and annual statistics showing the extent of England’s Green Belt, including changes resulting from land being released from, or added to, the Green Belt.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether his Department has made an estimate of how much of land classified as grey belt is previously developed sites.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government has not changed the five purposes of the Green Belt set out in paragraph 143 of the NPPF, and we do not propose to alter its general extent.

In its response to the 30 July 2024 to 24 September 2024 consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and other changes to the planning system consultation, and having considered the feedback received, the government clarified that grey belt land is Green Belt land which does not strongly contribute to Green Belt Purposes (a), (b), and (d).

My Department published updated guidance on Green Belt policy on 27 February 2025 to assist local authorities and other decision-makers, including planning inspectors, in determining whether land is grey belt. It can be found on gov.uk here. It is for decision-makers to consider how best to apply the policy to particular local circumstances. As set out in Planning Practice Guidance, where grey belt is identified, it does not automatically follow that it should be allocated for development, or released from the Green Belt, or that development proposals will be approved in all circumstances.

My Department does not hold data on how many sites, including sites that are previously developed land, have been formally identified as grey belt land by local planning authorities since December 2024.

The revised NPPF published on 12 December 2024 includes ‘Golden Rules’ for major development involving the provision of housing on land that is situated within, or released from, the Green Belt. The NPPF must be taken into account in preparing local development plans and is a material consideration in planning decisions.

The updated planning practice guidance on the Green Belt published on 27 February 2025 sets out how local planning authorities should apply the new ‘Golden Rule’ on green space provision, including how they should consider accessibility, quality, and alignment with Local Nature Recovery Strategies.

The government’s planning practice guidance on viability makes clear that where development is subject to the ‘Golden Rules’, site specific viability assessment should not be used for the purpose of reducing developer contributions. The guidance is available on gov.uk here.

It is for local planning authorities themselves to determine whether exceptional circumstances exist that justify the release of Green Belt. Before concluding that exceptional circumstances exist to justify changes to Green Belt boundaries, local planning authorities should be able to demonstrate that it has examined fully all other reasonable options for meeting its identified need for development – including making as much use as possible of suitable brownfield sites and underutilised land, optimising the density of development, and working with neighbouring authorities to assess whether identified need might be sensibly accommodated.

Local planning authorities can only adopt a plan that is found sound following examination. For a plan to be considered sound it should be positively prepared, justified, effective, and consistent with national policy – the tests of soundness are set out in the NPPF.

Planning Inspectors are required to determine appeals in accordance with the development plan for the area, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. In coming to a decision, the Inspector will give careful consideration to the planning merits of the case, having regard to the local plan and other material considerations. The NPPF must be taken into account in preparing the development plan, and is a material consideration in planning decisions.

The government monitors and publishes data on planning permissions granted, quarterly data on starts and completions, and annual statistics showing the extent of England’s Green Belt, including changes resulting from land being released from, or added to, the Green Belt.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what powers local highway authorities have to compel developers to complete section 38 adoption procedures within a defined timescale; and if he will introduce new enforcement mechanisms where developers fail to bring roads and associated infrastructure up to adoptable standards.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I refer the hon. Member to the Written Ministerial Statement (HCWS1210) made on 18 December 2025.

The two consultations both closed on 12 March 2026. We are currently analysing the feedback received and will publish our response in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of (a) the potential implications for his policies of data on levels of adoption of new roads, sewers and sustainable drainage systems on recent housing estates and (b) the potential impact of these levels of adoption on the commitment to deliver 1.5 million quality new homes.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I refer the hon. Member to the Written Ministerial Statement (HCWS1210) made on 18 December 2025.

The two consultations both closed on 12 March 2026. We are currently analysing the feedback received and will publish our response in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the Competition and Markets Authority's finding in its 2024 Housebuilding Market Study that the private management of public amenities on housing estates constitutes a detriment to consumers, and that the root cause is the decrease in levels of adoption of amenities by relevant authorities; and whether he has taken action in response to that finding.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I refer the hon. Member to the Written Ministerial Statement (HCWS1210) made on 18 December 2025.

The two consultations both closed on 12 March 2026. We are currently analysing the feedback received and will publish our response in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of research by the Home Builders Federation on rates of road adoption by local authorities; and whether he is taking steps to reverse trends identified.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I refer the hon. Member to the Written Ministerial Statement (HCWS1210) made on 18 December 2025.

The two consultations both closed on 12 March 2026. We are currently analysing the feedback received and will publish our response in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that grey belt land is only brought forward for development where there are no suitable brownfield sites available; and what steps is he taking to monitor and enforce this at the national level.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government has not changed the five purposes of the Green Belt set out in paragraph 143 of the NPPF, and we do not propose to alter its general extent.

In its response to the 30 July 2024 to 24 September 2024 consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and other changes to the planning system consultation, and having considered the feedback received, the government clarified that grey belt land is Green Belt land which does not strongly contribute to Green Belt Purposes (a), (b), and (d).

My Department published updated guidance on Green Belt policy on 27 February 2025 to assist local authorities and other decision-makers, including planning inspectors, in determining whether land is grey belt. It can be found on gov.uk here. It is for decision-makers to consider how best to apply the policy to particular local circumstances. As set out in Planning Practice Guidance, where grey belt is identified, it does not automatically follow that it should be allocated for development, or released from the Green Belt, or that development proposals will be approved in all circumstances.

My Department does not hold data on how many sites, including sites that are previously developed land, have been formally identified as grey belt land by local planning authorities since December 2024.

The revised NPPF published on 12 December 2024 includes ‘Golden Rules’ for major development involving the provision of housing on land that is situated within, or released from, the Green Belt. The NPPF must be taken into account in preparing local development plans and is a material consideration in planning decisions.

The updated planning practice guidance on the Green Belt published on 27 February 2025 sets out how local planning authorities should apply the new ‘Golden Rule’ on green space provision, including how they should consider accessibility, quality, and alignment with Local Nature Recovery Strategies.

The government’s planning practice guidance on viability makes clear that where development is subject to the ‘Golden Rules’, site specific viability assessment should not be used for the purpose of reducing developer contributions. The guidance is available on gov.uk here.

It is for local planning authorities themselves to determine whether exceptional circumstances exist that justify the release of Green Belt. Before concluding that exceptional circumstances exist to justify changes to Green Belt boundaries, local planning authorities should be able to demonstrate that it has examined fully all other reasonable options for meeting its identified need for development – including making as much use as possible of suitable brownfield sites and underutilised land, optimising the density of development, and working with neighbouring authorities to assess whether identified need might be sensibly accommodated.

Local planning authorities can only adopt a plan that is found sound following examination. For a plan to be considered sound it should be positively prepared, justified, effective, and consistent with national policy – the tests of soundness are set out in the NPPF.

Planning Inspectors are required to determine appeals in accordance with the development plan for the area, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. In coming to a decision, the Inspector will give careful consideration to the planning merits of the case, having regard to the local plan and other material considerations. The NPPF must be taken into account in preparing the development plan, and is a material consideration in planning decisions.

The government monitors and publishes data on planning permissions granted, quarterly data on starts and completions, and annual statistics showing the extent of England’s Green Belt, including changes resulting from land being released from, or added to, the Green Belt.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what guidance the Government has issued to local planning authorities on how to assess and document that brownfield and grey belt options have been exhausted before releasing other green belt land for development; and whether compliance with that sequential approach will be a condition of Local Plan approval.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government has not changed the five purposes of the Green Belt set out in paragraph 143 of the NPPF, and we do not propose to alter its general extent.

In its response to the 30 July 2024 to 24 September 2024 consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and other changes to the planning system consultation, and having considered the feedback received, the government clarified that grey belt land is Green Belt land which does not strongly contribute to Green Belt Purposes (a), (b), and (d).

My Department published updated guidance on Green Belt policy on 27 February 2025 to assist local authorities and other decision-makers, including planning inspectors, in determining whether land is grey belt. It can be found on gov.uk here. It is for decision-makers to consider how best to apply the policy to particular local circumstances. As set out in Planning Practice Guidance, where grey belt is identified, it does not automatically follow that it should be allocated for development, or released from the Green Belt, or that development proposals will be approved in all circumstances.

My Department does not hold data on how many sites, including sites that are previously developed land, have been formally identified as grey belt land by local planning authorities since December 2024.

The revised NPPF published on 12 December 2024 includes ‘Golden Rules’ for major development involving the provision of housing on land that is situated within, or released from, the Green Belt. The NPPF must be taken into account in preparing local development plans and is a material consideration in planning decisions.

The updated planning practice guidance on the Green Belt published on 27 February 2025 sets out how local planning authorities should apply the new ‘Golden Rule’ on green space provision, including how they should consider accessibility, quality, and alignment with Local Nature Recovery Strategies.

The government’s planning practice guidance on viability makes clear that where development is subject to the ‘Golden Rules’, site specific viability assessment should not be used for the purpose of reducing developer contributions. The guidance is available on gov.uk here.

It is for local planning authorities themselves to determine whether exceptional circumstances exist that justify the release of Green Belt. Before concluding that exceptional circumstances exist to justify changes to Green Belt boundaries, local planning authorities should be able to demonstrate that it has examined fully all other reasonable options for meeting its identified need for development – including making as much use as possible of suitable brownfield sites and underutilised land, optimising the density of development, and working with neighbouring authorities to assess whether identified need might be sensibly accommodated.

Local planning authorities can only adopt a plan that is found sound following examination. For a plan to be considered sound it should be positively prepared, justified, effective, and consistent with national policy – the tests of soundness are set out in the NPPF.

Planning Inspectors are required to determine appeals in accordance with the development plan for the area, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. In coming to a decision, the Inspector will give careful consideration to the planning merits of the case, having regard to the local plan and other material considerations. The NPPF must be taken into account in preparing the development plan, and is a material consideration in planning decisions.

The government monitors and publishes data on planning permissions granted, quarterly data on starts and completions, and annual statistics showing the extent of England’s Green Belt, including changes resulting from land being released from, or added to, the Green Belt.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what safeguards are in place to ensure the grey belt definition is not being applied more broadly than intended.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government has not changed the five purposes of the Green Belt set out in paragraph 143 of the NPPF, and we do not propose to alter its general extent.

In its response to the 30 July 2024 to 24 September 2024 consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and other changes to the planning system consultation, and having considered the feedback received, the government clarified that grey belt land is Green Belt land which does not strongly contribute to Green Belt Purposes (a), (b), and (d).

My Department published updated guidance on Green Belt policy on 27 February 2025 to assist local authorities and other decision-makers, including planning inspectors, in determining whether land is grey belt. It can be found on gov.uk here. It is for decision-makers to consider how best to apply the policy to particular local circumstances. As set out in Planning Practice Guidance, where grey belt is identified, it does not automatically follow that it should be allocated for development, or released from the Green Belt, or that development proposals will be approved in all circumstances.

My Department does not hold data on how many sites, including sites that are previously developed land, have been formally identified as grey belt land by local planning authorities since December 2024.

The revised NPPF published on 12 December 2024 includes ‘Golden Rules’ for major development involving the provision of housing on land that is situated within, or released from, the Green Belt. The NPPF must be taken into account in preparing local development plans and is a material consideration in planning decisions.

The updated planning practice guidance on the Green Belt published on 27 February 2025 sets out how local planning authorities should apply the new ‘Golden Rule’ on green space provision, including how they should consider accessibility, quality, and alignment with Local Nature Recovery Strategies.

The government’s planning practice guidance on viability makes clear that where development is subject to the ‘Golden Rules’, site specific viability assessment should not be used for the purpose of reducing developer contributions. The guidance is available on gov.uk here.

It is for local planning authorities themselves to determine whether exceptional circumstances exist that justify the release of Green Belt. Before concluding that exceptional circumstances exist to justify changes to Green Belt boundaries, local planning authorities should be able to demonstrate that it has examined fully all other reasonable options for meeting its identified need for development – including making as much use as possible of suitable brownfield sites and underutilised land, optimising the density of development, and working with neighbouring authorities to assess whether identified need might be sensibly accommodated.

Local planning authorities can only adopt a plan that is found sound following examination. For a plan to be considered sound it should be positively prepared, justified, effective, and consistent with national policy – the tests of soundness are set out in the NPPF.

Planning Inspectors are required to determine appeals in accordance with the development plan for the area, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. In coming to a decision, the Inspector will give careful consideration to the planning merits of the case, having regard to the local plan and other material considerations. The NPPF must be taken into account in preparing the development plan, and is a material consideration in planning decisions.

The government monitors and publishes data on planning permissions granted, quarterly data on starts and completions, and annual statistics showing the extent of England’s Green Belt, including changes resulting from land being released from, or added to, the Green Belt.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many local planning authorities have published a brownfield land register; what proportion of those registers have been reviewed in the last two years; and what steps is his Department taking to ensure the timely updating of registers.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Under Section 37 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, local planning authorities are required to have a brownfield land register covering their area.

Under Regulation 17 of the Town and Country Planning (Brownfield Land Register) Regulations 2017, local planning authorities are required to update the information relating to existing entries in their registers at least once a year.

306 local planning authorities have published Brownfield Land Registers.

Of these, 148 have updated their registers since 1 January 2024.

The government keeps the role of brownfield land registers under review.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how much the Department has spent on litigation relating to its position on WASPI compensation since its initial decision to reject compensation in December 2024.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

Women Against State Pension Inequality Ltd (WASPI) are seeking permission from the High Court to bring a Judicial Review on our response to the Ombudsman’s report. We do not comment on live litigation.

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Kevin Sinfield