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

To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has given advice or guidance on the planning and environmental constraints of developing sites close to foot and mouth carcass burial sites in flood risk areas.

I refer the Noble Baroness to the answer given to Question UIN HL7342 on 21 May 2025. Furthermore, the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is clear that planning policies and decisions should prevent new and existing development from contributing to, being put at unacceptable risk from, or being adversely affected by unacceptable levels of water pollution or land instability.

Between 16 December 2025 and 10 March 2026, we consulted on a new NPPF, including proposals in a new standalone chapter dedicated to managing flood risk and coastal change, as well as proposals relating to pollution. We are currently analysing the feedback received and will publish our response in due course.