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Planning Permission

Asked by Sir Oliver DowdenConservativeMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 21 November 2025UIN 90257

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if his Department will publish further guidance to Local Planning Authorities on the weight given in the planning balance to a failure to comply with the Golden Rules.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook

I refer the Rt Hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 58228 on 24 June 2025.

The government’s planning practice guidance on viability makes clear that where development is subject to the ‘Golden Rules’, site specific viability assessment should not be used for the purpose of reducing developer contributions. The guidance is available on gov.uk here. We are currently reviewing planning practice guidance and will publish updates in due course.

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