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Written question asked by Tom Tugendhat (Conservative) on Monday, 29 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 1 July 2026. It was answered by Matthew Pennycook (Labour) on Monday, 20 July 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Local Plans: Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will make a statement on how Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council can produce a Local Plan which meets the Government housing targets, in the context of the objection from South East Water.

Answer

National planning policy makes clear that local plans should be positively prepared and, as a minimum, seek to meet identified development needs.

Local planning authorities are expected to do all they reasonably can to meet need, including working proactively with infrastructure providers (including water providers) to align growth and infrastructure provision. If needs cannot be met, the authority must clearly and robustly explain the reasons during the plan examination.

The approach the authority has taken, including how it engaged with infrastructure providers, will be a key consideration for the independent Inspector in evaluating whether the local plan can be found ‘sound’.

Officials across the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government are working in partnership with Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council to explore supply and demand interventions to progress both current planning applications and local plan development.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
13853
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Construction Housing Local plans Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk