Air Pollution
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the written statement of 16 April 2026, HCWS1520, on 80A Duty to report on air quality in England, whether (a) his department or (b) DEFRA intend to consult on the issuing of embedding PM2.5 targets into planning decisions through guidance; and whether the guidance will be separate to or embedded in the national planning guidance set.
Answered by Matthew Pennycook
Between 16 December 2025 and 10 March 2026, we consulted on a new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). That consultation, which can be found on gov.uk here, included proposals relating to air quality and to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) which reflects new legal targets set under the Environment Act 2021.
Defra has published interim guidance on how planning authorities and developers should consider the PM2.5 Environment Act targets in individual planning decisions, which can be found on gov.uk here.
We are currently analysing the feedback received and will publish our response in the summer. We will consider and take forward any updates to planning practice guidance which are needed in the light of the final NPPF and views received through the consultation.
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