questionText: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the new cross-boundary strategic planning mechanisms proposed in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, what assessment he has made of the level of the risk that strategic housing targets could concentrate development pressure on green belt land in authorities with strong environmental protections; what role local communities and elected councillors will retain in decision-making on green belt development; and if he will ensure that strategic planning does not override locally designated green spaces valued by residents.
answerText: The Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 requires strategic planning authorities to have regard to the need to ensure their spatial development strategies are consistent with national policies, including those relating to Green Belt and green spaces. Ther...
heading: Green Belt