Planning Permission
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of whether the revised National Planning Policy Framework will increase the number of planning permissions granted before supporting infrastructure is delivered; what assessment he has made of the likely impact on (a) GP surgeries, (b) school places, (c) highways capacity and (d) water infrastructure; and whether he intends to require infrastructure to be delivered before the occupation of new housing developments.
Answered by Matthew Pennycook
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) published in December 2024 makes clear that local planning authorities should plan positively for the provision and use of shared spaces, community facilities, transport and other infrastructure to enhance the sustainability of communities and residential environments, taking into account local strategies to improve health, social and cultural wellbeing for all sections of the community.
Between 16 December 2025 and 10 March 2026, we consulted on a new NPPF. That consultation, which can be found on gov.uk here, included proposals relating to community facilities and public service infrastructure.
We are currently analysing the feedback received and will publish our response in due course.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →