Oral Answers to Questions Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebatePaul Beresford
Main Page: Paul Beresford (Conservative - Mole Valley)Department Debates - View all Paul Beresford's debates with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
(1 year, 9 months ago)
Commons ChamberThe hon. Gentleman makes an important point. Organisations in the private sector, such as the one in his constituency, are contributing to dealing with the building safety crisis. It is the responsibility of Homes England and indeed my Department to make sure that small and medium-sized enterprises that are making a contribution are promptly paid. I have raised the issue with Homes England and in the Department, and I hope that prompt payment will follow. I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for speaking up for small business in his constituency.
The national planning policy framework is clear that a local authority should not propose to alter a green-belt boundary unless there are exceptional circumstances and it can show at examination of the local plan that it has explored every other reasonable option. Any proposal to release land from green belt is subject to rigorous examination by the planning inspector, who is independent and who acts on behalf of the Secretary of State.