VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Land Use: Greater London

Asked by Sir James CleverlyConservativeMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 5 December 2025UIN 95063

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the written statement of 23 October 2025, HCWS991, on Housing Delivery, and pursuant to the Answer of 23 July 2025 to Question HL9484 on Green Belt: Greater London, whether the Greater London Authority's designation of Metropolitan Open Land now has a status, and is recognised, in national planning policy and planning practice guidance.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook

Metropolitan Open Land is a local designation used by the Mayor of London in the London Plan.

Policy relating to the designation is entirely a matter for the Mayor and is not set out within the National Planning Policy Framework or Planning Practice Guidance.

Planning law requires that applications for planning permission be determined in accordance with the relevant development plan (which includes the London Plan) unless material considerations indicate otherwise.

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