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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to paragraph 49.5 of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, whether development will be permitted beyond the maximum amount specified by Environmental Delivery Plans.

An Environmental Delivery Plan (EDP) would only enable development up to the maximum amount specified in the EDP.

Where an EDP is reaching the maximum capacity, the Secretary of State would be able to request that Natural England amend the EDP or put a new EDP in place to address additional demand following the procedure set out in the Bill.

Where the full capacity of an EDP has been utilised, development would be required to come forward under the existing system.