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

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, whether his Department plans to mitigate the potential effects of local planning authorities implementing the Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space policy in urban boroughs where the only green space available is already in use for leisure facilities.

Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANGS) is provided and managed to mitigate harmful effects of new housing developments on European sites protected under the Habitats Regulations 2010. SANGS provides recreational space for local residents, diverting them away from protected sites.

Where there is limited green space available, Natural England positively encourage the use of existing leisure facilities if they are seen as meeting the requirements to provide Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace.