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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of (a) local government reorganisation and (b) housing targets on (i) air quality, (ii) parks per capita, (iii) household waste volume, (iv) recycling rates, (v) greenhouse gas emissions and (vi) annual energy consumption in Gosport.

In regard to local government reorganisation, on the 5 February I invited unitary proposals from all two-tier councils and neighbouring unitaries including those councils in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton. It will be for local councils to consider the delivery of public services and potential impacts as they develop their proposals for reorganisation.

The invitations were clear that proposals should be supported by robust evidence and analysis and include an explanation of the outcomes it is expected to achieve. As set out in the published criteria, proposals should be for a sensible geography which will help to increase housing supply and meet local needs.

The government is clear all local planning authorities should continue work on local plans and get them in place as soon as possible. While the implications of local government reorganisation will be considered in light of the specific circumstances of any given area, local plans should still be progressed as they will act as the foundation for any new plans as required.

To inform this, local planning authorities are expected to use the government's revised standard method to assess housing needs. This is a starting point used by councils to inform the preparation of their local development plans.

The revised National Planning Policy Framework should be taken into account by local planning authorities when preparing their local plans. The Framework sets out strong policies to improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote low-carbon energy use. It also provides strong protections for existing open space, including playing fields and formal play spaces. The revised National Planning Policy Framework should be read in conjunction with the government’s planning policy for waste.