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Recreation Spaces: Planning Permission

Asked by Sir James CleverlyConservativeMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 24 February 2026UIN 111684

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what the status and timetable is of his Department's review of the legal framework of protections for public recreational space announced by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage during the passage of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook

Open and green spaces are an essential part of local social infrastructure and must be protected for future generations.

The review of existing protections will examine the fragmented and outdated nature of current legislative protections for public recreational green spaces; assess how these protections complement those in the planning system; and consider the lack of central records on protected land.

Further details and a timetable will be set out in due course.

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