Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Matthew Pennycook and Frank McNally

Monday 20th January 2025 Commons Chamber

[Matthew Pennycook]

The Government have a “brownfield first” approach to development. We strengthened that approach in the recently revised national planning policy framework. We also published last year a brownfield passport working paper to explore further ways in which we might prioritise and accelerate the release of brownfield land. On plan making, we are asking local authorities to take a sequential approach—brownfield first, densify those brownfield sites if possible and work cross-boundary where possible, and only then explore grey belt release and greenfield release in extremis. We are in conversation with Departments across the board about how we can best optimise the use of public sector land across all Departments.

[Frank McNally (Coatbridge and Bellshill) (Lab)]

T1. If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities.