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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what recent progress her Department has made on simplifying the planning process for house building.

We recently consulted on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system. The consultation closed on the 24 September and officials in my department are currently analysing responses with a view to publishing a Government response before the end of the year. As set out in the King’s Speech, the Government intend to introduce a Planning and Infrastructure Bill to accelerate the delivery of high-quality infrastructure and housing.