Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what guidelines they give to local authorities when discussing planning proposals that could have a measurable impact on the environment.

The National Planning Policy Framework, which is a material consideration in decisions on planning applications, recognises the environment as one of the three dimensions to the delivery of sustainable development. The framework sets out strong planning policy for the protection and enhancement of the natural environment. In addition web-based planning guidance is available and includes a section dedicated to the natural environment.