Planning Reform

Sonia Kumar Excerpts

Tuesday 16th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Matthew Pennycook]

As I have said in response to previous questions, we made a series of changes to green belt land designation release in the NPPF last year. These changes have been carried over into the draft framework, with one substantive change, which is to enable appropriate development around well-connected train stations across the country, including in the green belt. What I would advise the hon. Lady to say to her constituents is that we should bring forward appropriate and appropriately dense development around existing public transport infrastructure.

[Sonia Kumar (Dudley) (Lab)]

I thank the Minister and his Department for confirming yesterday that Dudley has successfully cleared the first stage of Pride in Place assessment—the first step to unlocking £20 million over the next decade. Will he outline how the new planning reforms, Pride in Place funding and greater community powers will revitalise Dudley town centre, and can he confirm that any new infrastructure will use local materials from local businesses, such as Dreadnought Tiles, to boost the local economy?

[Matthew Pennycook]

There is support within the new framework to boost local and regional economies, and we want to encourage economic growth by giving substantial weight to the benefits of supporting business growth and to particular areas and sectors. I am more than happy to sit down with my hon. Friend and ministerial colleagues to give her a better sense of how the different initiatives across the Department, including Pride in Place, will work for her area and across the country.