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Written question asked by Afzal Khan (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 October 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 October 2025. It was answered by Matthew Pennycook (Labour) on Monday, 3 November 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Gardens and Recreation Spaces

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he plans to recognise (a) private and (b) communal gardens as a part of green infrastructure in the delivery of (i) net zero and (ii) climate resilience strategies.

Answer

The National Planning Policy Framework defines green infrastructure as a network of multi-functional green and blue spaces and other natural features – urban and rural – that are capable of delivering a wide range of environmental, economic, health, and wellbeing benefits for nature, climate, local and wider communities and prosperity.

In this context, private and communal gardens can form part of green infrastructure, as they are capable of falling under this broad definition.

The Framework further makes clear that new development should be planned for in ways that avoid increased vulnerability to the range of impacts arising from climate change. When new development is brought forward in areas which are vulnerable, care should be taken to ensure that risks can be managed through suitable adaptation measures, including through incorporating green infrastructure.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
81946
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Gardens Recreation spaces
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk