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Written question asked by Tom Tugendhat (Conservative) on Thursday, 12 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 16 March 2026. It was answered by Matthew Pennycook (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 April 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Planning: Railways

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the impact of the draft National Planning Policy Framework for rail capacity on a) the Southeastern mainline, b) the Maidstone East line, c) the Uckfield line, and d) the Chatham mainline.

Answer

Between 16 December 2025 and 10 March 2026, the government consulted a new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The consultation on the revised Framework, which can be found on gov.uk here, set out a number of proposals to support development in sustainable locations, including a “default yes” for suitable proposals that develop land around rail stations within existing settlements, and around ‘well-connected’ train stations outside settlements, including on Green Belt land.

We have considered how the proposed draft policies could affect existing rail capacity and we will continue to work closely with the Department of Transport and with rail operators, including Network Rail, to address any issues should they arise.

We are currently analysing the feedback received and will publish our response in due course.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
120395
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Kent Planning Railways
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk