Contributions
2,441 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDTopical QuestionsWe did make changes to some of the definitions around affordable housing in the recently revised national planning policy framework, by separating out the definition of social…20 Jan 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsThere are issues in such cases, particularly around the data that is available, and we are in conversation with the Office for National Statistics about that. I am more than happy…20 Jan 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsAncient woodland and ancient and veteran trees are already strictly protected in national planning policy, while tree preservation orders safeguard individual trees or groups of…20 Jan 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsI confess that that is a question to which I do not have the answer. The Government intend to amend building regulations later this year as part of the introduction of future…20 Jan 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsProtections are already in place, but if the hon. Lady wishes to write to me with further details of that particular case, on which I do not have the full information to allow me…20 Jan 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsAll social housing tenants deserve to live in decent homes, to be treated with fairness and respect and to have their problems quickly resolved. Under the Regulator of Social…20 Jan 2025HANSARDPlanning ReformThe Government have a “brownfield first” approach to development. We strengthened that approach in the recently revised national planning policy framework. We also published last…20 Jan 2025HANSARDPlanning ReformI am sorry to learn of the experience of my hon. Friend’s constituent. Legal restrictions on properties are not usually treated as material planning considerations; the planning…20 Jan 2025HANSARDPlanning ReformIn December 2024 we published a revised national planning policy framework, following extensive consultation. We are also making progress on developing our planning and…20 Jan 2025HANSARDSocial Housing Providers: Section 106I am not sure whether the hon. Gentleman heard my previous answer, but I have just made it clear that we acted on 12 December to establish a matching service. I would advise him…20 Jan 2025HANSARD Green Belt: Basildon and BillericayI assure the right hon. Gentleman that I have heard the point he has made. He will understand that given the quasi-judicial nature of the planning system, I cannot comment on the…17 Jan 2025HANSARD Green Belt: Basildon and BillericayI thank the right hon. Gentleman for that intervention, and I note his concerns about hospital capacity in the area. My colleagues in the Department of Health and Social Care will…17 Jan 2025HANSARD Green Belt: Basildon and BillericayI start by congratulating the right hon. Member for Basildon and Billericay (Mr Holden) on securing this important debate on the green belt in his constituency. While I disagree…17 Jan 2025HANSARD Green Belt: Basildon and BillericayI recognise the right hon. Gentleman’s point. That will depend, of course, on the state of the local plan and what point it is at—whether it is at regulation 18 or 19—and where it…17 Jan 2025HANSARDNew Homes (Solar Generation) BillAs I said, we will set out further details on the new standards in the not-too-distant future. I reiterate my thanks to the hon. Member for Cheltenham for introducing this…17 Jan 2025HANSARDNew Homes (Solar Generation) BillMy hon. Friend makes a good point. I am afraid that the time to go into it is not available to me, but I would mention the Government’s intention to revise viability guidance this…17 Jan 2025HANSARDNew Homes (Solar Generation) BillLet me start by sincerely thanking the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Max Wilkinson) for introducing the Bill, for the constructive spirit in which he has engaged with me on it, and…17 Jan 2025HANSARDNew Homes (Solar Generation) BillThe hon. Lady makes a fair challenge, but the Government do not intend to proceed on the basis of primary legislation. She might find that the primary legislation route is…17 Jan 2025HANSARD Town Centres: Stoke-on-TrentMy hon. Friend is absolutely right. This Government have a brownfield-first approach to development. In all instances where it is possible, we want to see brownfield development…15 Jan 2025HANSARD Town Centres: Stoke-on-TrentI will pass on my hon. Friend’s appreciation to ministerial colleagues in the Department who oversaw that decision. He can take as given that the funding awarded is a recognition…15 Jan 2025