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Neighbourhood Plans: Recreation Spaces

Asked by John MilneLiberal DemocratMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 25 June 2025UIN 61430

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many local green spaces have been designated in Neighbourhood plans in England.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook

Following the Spending Review, my Department announced that it is unable to commission new neighbourhood planning support services for 2025 onwards.

Technical support which has already been awarded will continue to be provided but must be completed before the end of March 2026.

The government remains of the view that neighbourhood plans can play an important role in the planning system. Communities can continue to prepare neighbourhood plans where they consider that doing so is in their best interests. This can include designating Local Green Spaces where this is appropriate. Where a made neighbourhood plan contains a green space designation this will continue to have effect.

As of the end of March 2025, the government was aware of over 1,800 neighbourhood plans being in place. We do not hold information on the specific policies, such as green space designations, included in neighbourhood plans.

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