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Written question asked by Catherine West (Labour) on Monday, 6 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 July 2026. It was answered by Matthew Pennycook (Labour) on Friday, 17 July 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Recreation Spaces: Urban Areas

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps is he taking to help expand and maximise blue and green spaces in urban areas to improve climate resilience.

Answer

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) makes clear that the planning system should support the transition to net zero by 2050 and shape places in ways that minimise vulnerability and improve resilience.

The Framework also sets out that planning policies should be based on robust and up-to-date assessments of the need for open space and opportunities for new provision.

The designation of land as Local Green Space through local and neighbourhood plans allows communities to identify and protect green areas of particular importance to them. Designating land as Local Green Space should be consistent with the local planning of sustainable development and complement investment in sufficient homes, jobs and other essential services.

Between 16 December 2025 and 10 March 2026, we consulted on a new NPPF. That proposed Framework, which can be found on gov.uk here, included policy CC1 which makes clear that local plans should identify opportunities for green infrastructure provision and nature-based solutions which can safeguard and improve carbon storage, support nature recovery and resilience, and which take account of Local Nature Recovery Strategies.

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

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
16010
Session
2026-27
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Climate change Recreation spaces Urban areas
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk