VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Trees: Urban Areas

Asked by Blake StephensonConservativeMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 18 December 2024UIN 19117

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment her Department has made of the potential role of (a) ancient and (b) veteran trees in place-making for (i) large-scale new towns and (ii) urban extensions.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook

The government is committed to delivering a new generation of new towns. We have made clear these must be well-connected, well-designed, sustainable and attractive places where people want to live and that they must have all the infrastructure, amenities and services necessary to sustain thriving communities.

In addition to making recommendations to ministers regarding appropriate locations, we have tasked the New Towns Taskforce chaired by Sir Michael Lyons with advising on a ‘New Towns Prospectus’ – standards that developers must meet in these new settlements (covering social and affordable homes, design, transport links to towns and city centres, public transport, green spaces). The Taskforce’s full terms of reference can be found on gov.uk here.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim