Written question asked by Wendy Morton (Conservative) on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 October 2026. It was answered by Matthew Pennycook (Labour) on Friday, 16 October 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Green Belt: Planning Permission

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what requirements national planning policy places on Walsall Council to release particular Green Belt sites through its Local Plan, as distinct from assessing housing need and demonstrating a justified development strategy; what discretion the Council retains to reject individual sites because of environmental harm, infrastructure constraints or the availability of alternatives; and whether the Department has issued a direction requiring the Council to allocate particular Green Belt sites.

Answer

The National Planning Policy Framework can be found on gov.uk here. Green Belt Planning Practice Guidance can be found on gov.uk here.

My Department has issued no further specific direction to Walsall Council to require them to allocate particular Green Belt sites.

Secondary information