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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what rights are in place to protect existing businesses in relation to the development of new neighbouring residential premises.

I refer the hon. Member to policy P4 of the new National Planning Policy Framework published on 17 August.

We will publish new planning practice guidance relating in respect of this policy in due course. In conjunction with publishing the said guidance, we will also write to local authorities highlighting the importance of this issue.