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1. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Paul Holmes

   Planning and Infrastructure Bill

   Actually, I will say a few words. Why resist the temptation to say a few things? I thank the Minister for his hard work in leading the Planning and Infrastructure Public Bill Committee and all Members who served on that Committee over the past few weeks. He spent a long time in Committee saying that he would reflect on a number of really important points that hon. Members across the political divide had made, but he has done no such thing. He said that he has reflected and that he will also reflect after the events of today and tomorrow, but he has made no substantive changes to the Bill based on the real and genuine environmental concerns of many Members across the House. I do not intend to detain the House too long, because I know that I have a winding-up speech, but we are worried about the centralising zeal of this Government when it comes to planning, as I said on Second Reading. We are worried about the erosion of the powers of locally elected, democratic politicians to make decisions about their local areas, serving their local people.

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2. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Paul Holmes

   Planning and Infrastructure Bill

   The Conservative party has always believed in the rights of locally elected councillors and planning committees to make decisions for the people they serve; we have said that consistently through the passage of this Bill. The hon. Member for Taunton and Wellington (Gideon Amos) has tabled new clause 1 to ensure that planning committees have their current powers reinstated under the Government’s proposals. The Minister is saying this afternoon, as he will say tomorrow, that he does not trust any planning committee or any Labour-controlled council to make decisions based on the wishes of the constituents in their local areas. We think that that is a disgrace.

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3. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Paul Holmes

   Planning and Infrastructure Bill

   The hon. Gentleman says, “Is it?” from a sedentary position, but I absolutely agree with my right hon. Friend. Very few planning applications are refused by planning committees, and very few planning applications do not go through because of the actions of planning committees. We on the Opposition Benches happen to trust our locally elected councillors and local leaders to make decisions for our constituents. It is quite clear that Government Members do not trust them, as they are vesting more power into the hands of the Minister and the Secretary of State.

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4. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Paul Holmes

   Planning and Infrastructure Bill

   I would have more truck with the hon. Gentleman’s argument if anything that his Government proposed had the intentions that he has outlined. Just this morning, Savills has indicated, knowing what the proposed legislation will do, that the target of 1.5 million homes will not be met and that only 880,000 houses will be built by the end of this Parliament. When it comes to the environmental protections that the Minister has outlined, it is quite clear that many of the concerns of Members across this House should be listened to. The environmental proposals made by the Minister will have a detrimental impact on local areas by shipping the problem elsewhere.

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5. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Paul Holmes

   Planning and Infrastructure Bill

   The hon. Gentleman asks whether I have any proposals. The last Government built the largest number of houses in history. There are many things that we agree need to be done, and there are some areas of this Bill that we agree with, but the hon. Gentleman needs to realise that taking power away from locally elected councillors is a disgrace. The Minister is saying to the hon. Gentleman and his councillors that they should not be trusted to make decisions on behalf of their local communities. I am sure he will not be happy with that when he gets to his annual general meeting in a few months’ time to be reselected as a parliamentary candidate. There are other concerns about this legislation. As we have said, the Government have consistently said that they want to build 1.5 million homes, but the independent Office for Budget Responsibility—a body that Labour held in high regard when it was in opposition—has forecast that the Government will fail to deliver on their manifesto commitment and will fall short of that figure. As I have said, that was echoed today by Savills, which estimates that the Government will build just over half the number of houses that the Deputy Prime Minister has promised, even after coming out of her very testing meetings with the Chancellor. The Government’s proposal to reduce the number of legal challenges available to opponents of major infrastructure developments from three to two—and in some cases just one—should alarm anyone who believes in checks and balances. Legal scrutiny is not an inconvenience; it is the backbone of our democratic system. Infrastructure projects often have far-reaching environmental, social and economic consequences, and by curtailing legal recourse, we are not removing red tape but removing the public’s right to hold power to account. In the name of speed, the Government are undermining the legal mechanisms that protect us from Government overreach. As I have said, the clear implication of the Minister’s proposals today is that powers will be removed from locally elected planning committees. That is a disgrace, and it is in addition to a gerrymandering housing algorithm that punishes rural areas and rewards Labour councillors in urban centres for failure. We are told that the Bill will speed up planning decisions, but at what cost? Local planning authorities are indeed struggling, under-resourced and overburdened, but granting them fee-raising powers without guaranteed central support is like asking a drowning man to swim harder. More alarmingly, the shift of decision-making powers from elected councillors to unelected planning officers under the guise of efficiency diminishes local democracy. It takes key decisions out of the hands of public representatives and places them in the hands of a bureaucracy increasingly dictated by central policy. We are also told that the Bill will make planning more strategic. That is a noble aim, but let us not forget that the strategic failure of recent years has been due not to too much local input but to too little co-ordination. The requirement for regional spatial strategies was scrapped by this Government’s predecessors. Now, the pendulum swings once again, with combined authorities being told to draft regional plans; however, those same authorities are being starved of the funding and staff required to do so. We risk repeating history, only this time with fewer safety nets and a weakened capacity to challenge flawed strategies.

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6. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Paul Holmes

   Planning and Infrastructure Bill

   Of course. We discussed this topic at great length in Committee, and many good amendments were tabled. However, as I understand it and as I think the hon. Lady agrees, having reflected consistently the Minister has not strengthened the environmental protections or the measures to deal with flooding risks to housing that will be built in future. In fact, I would argue that those protections have been weakened. I hope the Minister will go away and look at these issues again. Turning to environmental protections, we in the Conservative party say that they are under threat. The creation of environmental delivery plans sounds suitably wishy-washy, but this new centralised model turns bespoke ecological assessments into a bureaucratic chequebook exercise. While developers may cheer the ability to pay into a nature restoration fund instead of taking direct responsibility for mitigations, we should ask whether this is really restoration, or whether it is greenwashing. On Natural England, I remind the Minister once again that the Bill Committee held a huge evidence session. He consistently said that he had confidence in Natural England’s ability to undertake the responsibilities he is seeking to impose on it, but time and time again he has outlined that he has allocated what I would argue is a mediocre sum of money to Natural England. He is asking that organisation to make decisions and improve environmental protections for people across this country, but he still has not outlined what funding model will be in place. The chief executive of Natural England herself stated, in very generic terms, that she was not entirely sure that she or her organisation would be able to undertake those operations going forward. The Minister should listen to the huge concerns across this House that Natural England is not the right organisation to undertake those responsibilities—rather, it should be local councils and local mayors. They should be the ones who represent their constituents and speak for local people, and who can make the changes they need on environmental protections.

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7. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Paul Holmes

   Planning and Infrastructure Bill

   The hon. Gentleman says “only up to 1%”, but given the international situation, this country should be producing its own food, and that land should be protected. He may need to catch up, because I understand that the NFU now wants the Bill to go further and completely ban solar panels on high-quality land. I suggest that he speaks to the NFU again, and then comes back to this House and backs new clause 39. The NFU speaks up for our farmers, so we should listen if it is not happy with what is in the Bill. Instead of giving me a quote from a former NFU employee, the hon. Gentleman should listen to the NFU’s current leadership, and then maybe change his comments.

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8. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Paul Holmes

   Planning and Infrastructure Bill

   Of course I believe that farmers know how to make best use of their land, but this Government are taking power away from farmers, whether by increasing the power to issue compulsory purchase orders for land that farmers want to use to produce food, or by reducing the money that they will get from the CPOs that the Government are advocating for. Farmers see more and more agricultural land being taken out of use. I suggest that the hon. Gentleman reads the Bill and the measures that the Minister is bringing forward, which undermine our farmers and stop them from being able to do the job that they want to do.

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9. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Paul Holmes

   Planning and Infrastructure Bill

   I will move on to another clause, because Madam Deputy Speaker probably wants me to sit down soon, as might many other Members. [Hon. Members: “Hear, hear!”] I knew I would get universal acclaim eventually. New clause 43 was also tabled by my hon. Friend the Member for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner. Villages across our country need to be protected, and the Bill simply does not do that. It eradicates the relevance of local plans and power of local people to make decisions to protect the strategic gaps around our villages. I hope that the Minister will look favourably on the new clause, which would provide villages with protections equivalent to those provided to towns under the national planning policy framework. It is a vital measure for protecting the character, identity and heritage of England’s villages before they are lost to unchecked sprawl. For too long, planning policy has prioritised urban growth without giving equal attention to the unique pressures faced by rural communities. New clause 43 seeks to correct that imbalance by requiring the Secretary of State to issue or update guidance that grants villages equivalent protections to those afforded to towns under the NPPF in order to safeguard villages from being swallowed up by neighbouring developments, preserve green buffers between settlements, and protect the historic fabric and rural character that define these communities. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Castle Point (Rebecca Harris) for her work in bringing about the amendment, following a truly baffling planning appeal decision on green belt in her constituency. That decision would result in the merging of two settlements with completely different characters and identities, simply because one was classed as a village and one was classed as a town. Many Members will have had such problems. The Minister needs to go away and look at the protection of villages and green belt in the Bill, because it is not delivering that. A number of amendments have been tabled that Opposition Members think would make the Bill better. New clause 82, tabled by the hon. Member for Bournemouth East (Tom Hayes), relates to play areas. Many developments are not delivered with play areas, and those should be brought forward. Amendment 69, tabled by the hon. Member for North East Hertfordshire (Chris Hinchliff), would require environmental delivery plans to set out a timetable for, and to report on, conservation measures, and it would require improvement of the conservation status of specified features before development takes place. We Opposition Members believe that there need to be changes to planning policy, but the Minister has squandered a chance. He has not listened to Members who genuinely want to strengthen the Bill by making planning policy faster, while protecting our environment and enhancing the role of our locally elected councillors. As a result, he has left us unable to strengthen the Bill by working together. This is a wasted opportunity. He will not deliver his housing numbers. He will take powers away from local communities and stifle the planning process. We Opposition Members will always stand up for our locally elected councillors. It is a shame that this Government simply have not done that.

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10. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Paul Holmes

    Planning and Infrastructure Bill

    We agree with many of the amendments that the hon. Gentleman’s party has put forward. He outlines a target for new social homes. How would he afford that, and where would the money come from?

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11. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Paul Holmes

    Planning and Infrastructure Bill

    The hon. Member knows that I am a big fan of his. He makes a speech about our and other amendments blocking the delivery of homes. Will he therefore criticise his Government, who have reduced the number of homes required in his constituency through reducing the number of houses being built in London under his mayor?

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12. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Paul Holmes

    Planning and Infrastructure Bill

    In relation to new clause 44, which my hon. Friend supports, does he agree that the Government could very easily accept it because it enables and encompasses an existing piece of legislation and could make a vast difference to many of the developments proposed? Why does he think the Minister will not accept it?

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13. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Paul Holmes

    Planning and Infrastructure Bill

    Further to that point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. [Interruption.] I am entitled to raise a point of order. I appreciate your ruling on this matter, Madam Deputy Speaker, but I ask for clarification because it is my understanding that if we have been informed that an amendment is for separate decision, the Chair asks the Member whose amendment it is whether they want to withdraw it, with the leave of the House, and I have never seen that question not being put on the Floor of the House.

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14. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Paul Holmes

    Planning and Infrastructure Bill

    Further to that point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. [Interruption.] Labour Members may chunter, but I have a right to raise a point of order on process in this House. Madam Deputy Speaker, may I ask for your guidance? I am a relatively new Member, but it is my—[Interruption.] I want to raise a point of order, and it is not up to them to say I cannot. New clause 82 has been signed by over 60 Members of this House. Through the usual channels, I was told, as shadow Minister, as were others, that the Speaker’s Office had selected the new clause for a separate decision. Over 60 Members have signed the new clause, and my understanding of precedent in this House is that any Member who has signed it can move it. It is a new and dangerous precedent if Members can indicate before the debate that they wish to withdraw a new clause, and other Members who have signed it are not given the choice to move it. May I seek your clarification, Madam Deputy Speaker? It seems highly unusual that over 60 Members have signed the new clause but none of them can move it, especially when we were given an indication that it would be subject to a separate decision on the Floor of the House.

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15. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Ms Nusrat Ghani

    Chinese Embassy Development

    It is a very clever question, but it is the Minister who is responding.

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16. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Ms Nusrat Ghani

    Winter Fuel Payment

    Order. “Are you going to send?” I do not think the Minister is speaking to the Chair.

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17. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Ms Nusrat Ghani

    Winter Fuel Payment

    Order. Please be seated. I do not need any help with managing the Chamber, but questions need to be short. Minister, let us have a short, sharp answer.

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18. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Ms Nusrat Ghani

    Winter Fuel Payment

    Order. I give another reminder to colleagues that questions must be short, as must answers. Otherwise, many colleagues will be disappointed.

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19. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Ms Nusrat Ghani

    Winter Fuel Payment

    We could have gone faster in the past hour and 10 minutes if the Minister was faster with his answers.

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20. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Ms Nusrat Ghani

    Winter Fuel Payment

    That is the end of the statement. I will allow the Front Benchers a moment to shuffle over.

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21. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Ms Nusrat Ghani

    Planning and Infrastructure Bill

    With this it will be convenient to discuss the following: New clause 1—Steps to be taken when exercising functions under Part 3— “When exercising any function or fulfilling any duty under Part 3 of this Act, the Secretary of State and Natural England must take all reasonable steps to— (a) avoid, prevent and reduce any identified significant adverse effects on the environment, and only permit such adverse effects where they cannot be avoided and where the adverse effects will be compensated for; (b) enhance biodiversity; (c) permit a significant adverse effect on a European site or Ramsar site only where justified by imperative reasons of overriding public importance and where the adverse effect will be compensated for, and (d) prevent the loss of irreplaceable habitats, including ancient woodland and veteran and ancient trees, unless there are wholly exceptional reasons and any loss will be compensated for.” This new clause would ensure that the Secretary of State and Natural England must take all reasonable steps to avoid causing adverse environmental effects. New clause 2—Zero carbon standard for new homes— “(1) Within six months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must make regulations under section 1 of the Building Act 1984 to require that new homes must— (a) be built to a net zero carbon building standard, and (b) include provision for solar power generation. (2) Regulations must include a presumption that, as far as is reasonably practicable, new developments will include facilities for the rooftop generation of solar power.” This new clause would require that new homes to be built to a net zero carbon building standard and include provision for the generation of solar power. New clause 3—Transfer of land to local authority following expiry of planning permission— “After section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, insert— “91A Transfer of land to local authority following expiry of planning permission (1) This section applies— (a) where a development includes the construction of 100 or more homes and has not begun within the applicable period, and (b) where section 91(4) of this Act does not apply. (2) There is a compelling case in the public interest for the compulsory purchase under section 17 of the Housing Act 1985 of land on which any such development was permitted provided that such purchase is— (a) in accordance with the terms of the Land Compensation Acts, and (b) complies with the relevant provisions of the Human Rights Act 1998. (3) In this section— (a) “applicable period” has the meaning given in section 91(5) of this Act; (b) ”Land Compensation Acts” means— (i) the Land Compensation Act 1961; (ii) the Compulsory Purchase Act 1965; (iii) the Acquisition of Land Act 1981; (iv) any other relevant Act which the Secretary of State may specify.”” This new clause would mean that, where permission for a development of 100 homes or more is not used within the applicable period, there is automatically a justifiable case for the compulsory purchase of the land under the Housing Act 1985. New clause 4—Sustainable drainage— “The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act— (a) bring into force Schedule 3 (Sustainable drainage) of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, and (b) provide guidance to local planning authorities, land and property developers and other relevant stakeholders on how to incorporate sustainable drainage into new developments.” This new clause would require the Secretary of State to bring into force the sustainable drainage provisions of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and provide guidance on the building in of sustainable drainage in future developments. New clause 5—Local planning authority discretion over affordability of housing— “(1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, provide guidance to local planning authorities on how to define or classify new or prospective developments as affordable housing. (2) The guidance must make clear that a local planning authority may, while having regard to national or general guidelines, determine what is to be understood to be affordable housing in its area based on local needs and circumstances.” This new clause would enable local planning authorities to use their discretion to determine whether certain housing is to be “affordable housing”. New clause 6—Development plans to aim to improve health and well-being— “(1) Any national or local plan or strategy relating to the planning or development of an area must be designed to improve the physical, mental and social health and well-being of the people who are to reside in that area. (2) The Secretary of State must issue guidance to local planning authorities on how local plans and strategies can be designed to achieve the aims outlined in subsection (1).” This new clause would require national or local development plans to be designed in a way that aims to improve the physical, mental and social health and well-being of residents. New clause 7—New car parks to include solar panels— “(1) No local planning authority may approve an application for the building of an above-ground car park which does not make the required provision of solar panels. (2) The required provision of solar panels is an amount equivalent to 50% of the surface area of the car park.” This new clause would require solar panels to be provided with all new car parks. New clause 8—Independent oversight of administration of nature restoration levy— “(1) The Secretary of State must, before Part 3 of this Act comes into force, establish an independent body to monitor the administration of the nature restoration levy by Natural England. (2) The independent body may request information from Natural England relating to Natural England’s administration of the nature restoration levy additional to the information and reports provided to the independent body by Natural England under section 66(5). (3) The independent body may report to the Secretary of State on— (a) any concerns relating to Natural England’s administration of the nature restoration levy, and (b) any other matters relating to Natural England’s administration of the nature restoration levy as the independent body deems appropriate.” This new clause would provide for independent oversight of Natural England’s administration of the nature restoration levy. New clause 9—Environmental infrastructure in new developments— “(1) Within six months of to the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must make regulations under section 1 of the Building Act 1984 for the purpose of protecting and enhancing biodiversity. (2) Regulations made under this section must— (a) take account of biodiversity targets and interim targets set out in sections 1(2), 1(3)(c), 11 and 14 of the Environment Act 2021; (b) include measures to enable the provision in new developments of— (i) bird boxes; (ii) bat boxes; (iii) swift bricks; (iv) hedgehog highways; and (v) biodiverse roofs and walls.” This new clause would require the Secretary of State to introduce regulations to protect and enhance biodiversity in new developments. New clause 10—Inclusion of wildbelt in planning considerations— “(1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act— (a) create a category of protection for wildbelt areas in England for the purpose of permanently protecting such areas from or during development, and (b) issue guidance for local planning authorities and other relevant parties on how wildbelt land is to be protected. (2) For the purposes of subsection (1), “permanently protecting” areas means protecting or restoring the natural environment in a wildbelt area, and in ecosystems functionally connected to a wildbelt area. (3) Guidance issued under subsection (1)(b) must— (a) provide assistance to local planning authorities and others on the identification of wildbelt sites; (b) impose responsibilities on strategic planning authorities in relation to the development of spatial development strategies regarding— (i) the use of Local Nature Recovery Strategies to protect and enhance wildbelt; (ii) the reporting of progress towards the development of wildbelt sites; and (iii) the reporting of progress towards the use of wildbelt designation to increase public access to nature. (4) For the purposes of this section, “wildbelt” has such meaning as the Secretary of State may specify in guidance, but must include— (a) areas of land; (b) bodies of water and adjacent land; (c) wetlands.” This new clause would enable the creation of new wildbelt areas and associated ecosystems, and require guidance to be issued regarding the use of provisions of the bill to protect wildbelt areas. New clause 11—Register of planning applications from political donors— “(1) A local planning authority must maintain and publish a register of planning applications in its area where— (a) a determination has been made by the Secretary of State responsible for housing and planning, and (b) the applicant has made a donation to the Secretary of State responsible for housing and planning within the period of ten years prior to the application being made. (2) A register maintained under this section must be published at least once each year.” This new clause would require a local planning authority to keep and publish a register of applications decided by the Secretary of State where that Secretary of State has received a donation from the applicant. New clause 12—Considerations when deciding an application for development consent— “In section 55 of the Planning Act 2008 (acceptance of applications), after subsection (4) insert— “(4A) When deciding whether to accept an application, the Secretary of State must have regard to the extent to which consultation with affected communities has— (a) identified and resolved issues at the earliest opportunity; (b) enabled interested parties to understand and influence the proposed project, provided feedback on potential options, and encouraged the community to help shape the proposal to maximise local benefits and minimise any disbenefits; (c) enabled applicants to obtain relevant information about the economic, social, community and environmental effects of the project; and (d) enabled appropriate mitigation measures to be identified, considered and, if appropriate, embedded into the proposed application before the application was submitted.”” This new clause to the Planning Act would require the Secretary of State to consider the content and adequacy of consultation undertaken with affected communities when deciding an application for development consent. New clause 13—Removal of statutory consultees— “(1) A party may only be removed from the list of consultees— (a) in or under section 42 of the Planning Act 2008, or (b) in Schedule 1 of the Infrastructure Planning (Applications: Prescribed Forms and Procedure) Regulations 2009,once Parliamentary approval for the removal has been signified. (2) Parliamentary approval may be signified by— (a) the approval of a relevant statutory instrument; (b) the agreement of a relevant motion.” This new clause would make the removal of statutory consultees subject to parliamentary approval. New clause 14—Electricity distribution networks: land and access rights— “(1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, consult on and implement measures to give electricity distribution network operators powers in relation, but not limited, to— (a) the acquisition of rights over land for new and existing overhead lines and underground cables; (b) the acquisition of land for new substations or the extension of existing substations; (c) the entering into of land for the purposes of maintaining existing equipment; (d) the entering into of land for the purposes of managing vegetation growth which is interfering with the safety or operation of overhead equipment. (2) Any powers granted must be compatible with the need to complete works related to development in a timely, inexpensive and uncomplicated manner, and may include the provision of compensation to relevant landowners.” This new clause would require the Secretary of State to consult on giving electricity distribution network operators powers in relation to the acquisition of and access to land. New clause 15—Extension of permitted development— “The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act— (a) make provision for the following to be included as permitted development— (i) upgrading of existing lines from single to three phase; (ii) alteration of conductor type; (iii) increase in the height of distribution network supports to maintain minimum ground clearances under the Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002; (iv) increase in the distance of supporting structures by up to 60m from their existing position when replacing an existing overhead line; (v) in relation to new connections from an existing line, an increase in nominal voltage to a maximum of 33kV and related increase in pole heights; (vi) upgrading of existing lines from 6.6kV to 11kV; (vii) installation of additional stays supporting wood poles; (viii) upgrading of existing apparatus, including the increase of capacity of pole mounted transformers, subject to the provisions of section 37(1) of the Electricity Act 1989 and the Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002; (ix) temporary placement of a line for a period of up to two years. (b) consult on the introduction of further measures for the purposes of enabling distribution network upgrades and reinforcements to be delivered as permitted development.” This new clause would expand permitted development rights for upgrades to the transmission network. New clause 16—Preservation of playing fields and pitches— “(1) A local planning authority must, when exercising any of its functions, ensure the preservation of playing fields and playing pitches. (2) The duty in subsection (1) may, when granting permission for development, be met through the imposition of conditions or requirements relating to— (a) the protection of playing fields or playing pitches affected by the development; or (b) the provision of alternative, additional or expanded playing fields or playing pitches. (3) For the purposes of this section, “playing fields” and “playing pitches” have the same meanings as in the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2010.” This new clause would require local authorities to preserve playing fields when granting permission for development. New clause 17—Community benefit from major energy infrastructure projects— “(1) The Secretary of State must by regulations establish a scheme under which communities with a specified connection to a major energy infrastructure project are entitled to financial benefits. (2) In subsection (1), “major energy infrastructure project” and “specified connection” have such meaning as the Secretary of State may by regulations specify, provided that any such definition includes all newly consented renewable energy projects. (3) Financial benefits provided for by a scheme under this section must— (a) be provided by the owner of the relevant major energy infrastructure project, and (b) amount to 5% of the annual revenue of the relevant project. (4) Where a major energy infrastructure project is onshore, regulations made under this section must— (a) provide for two-thirds of the financial benefits accruing to a community under this section to be paid to the council of that community, and (b) provide for one third of the financial benefits accruing to a community under this section to be paid into a strategic fund operated by the council. (5) Where a major energy infrastructure project is offshore, regulations made under this section must provide for the financial benefits accruing to a community under this section to be paid into a strategic fund operated by the relevant council. (6) Regulations made under this section may, among other things— (a) specify the powers, purposes, responsibilities and constitution of a council strategic fund; (b) make further provision determining which communities are qualifying under this section, and defining community for this purpose; (c) confer functions in connection with the scheme; (d) provide for delegation of functions conferred in connection with the scheme.” This new clause sets out a scheme for providing financial benefits to communities in areas connected with major energy infrastructure schemes. New clause 18—Local Area Energy Plans— “(1) All local authorities and combined authorities must create a Local Area Energy Plan. (2) For the purposes of this section, a “Local Area Energy Plan” means an outline of how the relevant authority proposes to transition its area’s energy system to Net Zero.” This new clause would require all local and combined authorities to develop Local Area Energy Plans which set out how they will meet their Net Zero goals. New clause 19—Extension of use classes C5 and C6 to England— “In article 1(2) of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) (Amendment) (Wales) Order 2022, after “Wales” insert “, except in relation to articles 2(e) and 2(f), which apply in relation to England and Wales”.” This new clause of existing regulations would extend use classes C5 (Dwellinghouses, used otherwise than as sole or main residences) and C6 (Short-term lets), which currently only to apply to Wales, to England. New clause 20—Change of certain use classes to require permission— “In article 3(1) of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987, at end insert “, subject to paragraphs (1AA) and (1AB). (1AA) Where a building is used for the purpose of Class C3, the use of that building for the purpose of Class C5 or Class C6 (or vice versa) is to be taken to involve development of the land. (1AB) Where a building is used for the purpose of Class C5, the use of that building for the purpose of Class C6 (or vice versa) is to be taken to involve development of the land.”” This new clause would require planning permission to be obtained to change the use of a dwelling to a second home or to a short term let use class and for changes of use between those classes. New clause 21—Local plan compliance with Land Use Framework and nature recovery strategies— “When developing a local plan, a local planning authority must consider whether the plan complies with— (a) the Land Use Framework, and (b) any nature recovery strategy relevant to the area covered by the plan.” This new clause seeks to ensure that Local Plans comply with the Land Use Framework and local nature recovery strategies. New clause 23—Review of drainage performance of new developments— “(1) A review of a development’s drainage performance must take place five years after the completion of the development. (2) Where a review recommends that action be taken to improve the development’s drainage performance, the developer must implement such recommendations, giving priority to those relating to flood risk.” This new clause requires developers to review the drainage performance of a development five years after being built. New clause 24—Housing needs of ageing population— “Any plan or strategy produced by a local planning authority which proposes the development of housing must include an assessment of the housing needs of an ageing population.” New clause 25—National Landscape Partnerships to be statutory consultees for planning applications— “In Schedule 4 of the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) Order 2015, after paragraph (zf) insert— “(zg) Development likely to affect an area covered by a National Landscape Partnership The relevant National Landscape Partnership”” This amendment to the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) Order 2015 would ensure that National Landscape Partnerships are included as statutory consultees in planning applications which impact their areas. New clause 26—Environmental improvement duty: nature restoration levy— “(1) Subsection (2) applies where Natural England agrees to a request to pay the nature restoration levy. (2) The Secretary of State has a duty to ensure to a high degree of certainty based on an objective assessment that significant and measurable improvements to the conservation status of each identified environmental feature is achieved within the period covered by the EDP.” This new clause would place a duty on the Secretary of State to ensure significant environmental improvements for protected features during the EDP period. New clause 27—Gardens Trust to be statutory consultees for planning applications— “In Schedule 4 of the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015, after paragraph (zf) insert— “(zg) Development likely to affect historic parks or gardens The Gardens Trust”” This new clause would ensure that the Gardens Trust are included as statutory consultees in planning applications. New clause 28—Pre-application consultation of emergency services— “In Schedule 4 of the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015, after paragraph (zf) insert— “(zg) Development which is likely to affect operations of ambulance services The ambulance trust concerned (zh) Development which is likely to affect operations of fire and rescue services The fire and rescue service concerned”” New clause 29—Support for small businesses and charities affected by roadworks— “(1) This section applies where— (a) any building or development works require or involve works to or on the road network, or otherwise result in road closures, (b) such roadworks or closures have lasted, or are expected to last, for a period of six months or more, and (c) any small business or charitable organisation suffers a material financial, access or other detriment resulting from the roadworks or closures. (2) The Secretary of State must make provision for any affected small business or charitable organisation to receive financial compensation or other equivalent support to recover or mitigate the detriment suffered.” New clause 30—Permitted development for ponds— “(1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, make regulations under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to amend Schedule 2 to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 so as to include the creation of ponds with a surface area of less than 0.2 hectares as permitted development. (2) For the purposes of this section, “pond” means a permanent or seasonal standing body of water with a surface area not exceeding 2 hectares.” This new clause would require the Secretary of State to make regulations to allow the creation of new ponds under 0.2 hectares in size without planning permission being required. New clause 31—Thresholds for affordable housing provision— “Where an application proposes or is required to provide affordable housing, no amendment to the amount of affordable housing to be developed may be made if the amendment would result in the amount of affordable housing to be developed failing to exceed the higher of— (a) the relevant authority’s affordable housing threshold, or (b) twenty per cent of the total amount of housing provided in the development.” This new clause would place lower limits on the amount of affordable housing developments which intend to provide such housing must provide. New clause 32—Housing plans to include quotas for affordable and social housing— “(1) Any national or local plan or strategy which relates to the building or development of housing must include specific quotas for the provision of— (a) affordable housing, and (b) social housing. (2) Where a national or local plan or strategy includes quotas for the provision of affordable and social housing, the plan or strategy must include justification for the quotas.” This new clause would require national and local housing plans to include, and justify, quotas for the provision of both affordable and social housing. New clause 33—Power to decline applications based on outcomes of previous grants of permission— “(1) Where a local planning authority has previously given planning permission to a party (the “initial grant”), the planning authority may decline any future planning applications from the party where, in respect of the initial grant of planning permission, the party has failed to— (a) build out the structure or development, (b) make sufficient progress towards the building out of the structure or development within a reasonable time period, or (c) build out the structure or development at a reasonable rate. (2) A local planning authority may define how it is to interpret “sufficient progress”, “reasonable time period” and “reasonable rate” as part of its local plan.” This new clause would enable local planning authorities to decline planning applications from parties which have failed to build, or make sufficient progress on, projects for which permission has previously been granted. New clause 34—Additional business rates for developers not completing approved development— “(1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, hold a public consultation on providing local authorities who exercise the functions of local planning authorities with the power to levy additional business rates on— (a) land owners, and (b) developers who fail to complete the development of projects for which permission has been granted within a reasonable period. (2) The Secretary of State must, within 18 months of the conclusion of the public consultation, lay before both Houses of Parliament— (a) a report on the findings of the consultation, and (b) a statement setting out the Secretary of State’s response to those findings.” New clause 35—Review of the setting of local plans under the National Planning Policy Framework— “(1) The Secretary of State must, within 6 months of the passing of this Act, review the National Planning Policy Framework with regard to the setting of local plans. (2) The review must consider in particular replacing the existing “call for sites” process with a requirement for local planning authorities to identify sites within their areas which are necessary to meet— (a) local housing targets, and (b) the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals.” This new clause would require the Secretary of State to review the setting of local plans with a view to replacing the existing “call for sites” process with a requirement for local planning authorities to identify sites which meet housing targets and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal. New clause 36—Purposes and principles to be followed by parties exercising planning or development functions— “(1) Any party exercising any function in relation to planning and development must— (a) have regard to the purpose of the planning system outlined in subsection (2), and (b) apply the principles outlined in subsection (3) for the purposes of achieving sustainable development. (2) The purpose of the planning system is to promote the spatial organisation of land and resources to achieve the long-term sustainable development of the nation and the health and wellbeing of individuals. (3) The principles are— (a) living within environmental limits; (b) ensuring a strong, healthy and just society; (c) achieving a sustainable economy; (d) promoting good governance including promoting democratic engagement and accountability; and (e) using sound science responsibly. (4) For the purposes of this section, “sustainable development” means managing the use, development and protection of land and natural resources in a way which enables people and communities to provide for their legitimate social, economic and cultural wellbeing while ensuring the health and integrity of terrestrial and marine ecosystems and the species within them, as well as the wellbeing of future generations.” The new clause would define the purpose of the planning system and of planning as promoting the efficient spatial organisation of land and resources to achieve the long-term sustainable development of the nation and the health and wellbeing of individuals. New clause 37—Right to appeal against approved applications— “In section 78 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (right to appeal against planning decisions and failure to take such decisions), after subsection (2) insert— “(2A) Where a local planning authority approves an application for planning permission which— (a) does not accord with the provisions of the development plan in force in the area in which the land to which the application relates is situated, or (b) is a major application, the parties specified in subsection (2B) may appeal to the Secretary of State against the decision to approve the application. (2B) The parties are— (a) any persons who have lodged a formal objection to the application in writing to the relevant planning authority; (b) any other persons that a person appointed by the Secretary of State uses their discretion to permit to appeal. (2C) The Secretary of State must appoint a person to— (a) define “major application” for the purposes of subsection (2A)(b); (b) consider parties to be permitted to appeal against a decision to approve an application under subsection (2B)(b).”” This new clause would create a limited third-party right of appeal for certain individuals to appeal to the Secretary of State where a local authority has approved a development that does not accord with a local development plan. New clause 38—Dismissal of appeal or referral— “In section 79 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (determination of appeals), after subsection (6A) insert— “(6B) The Secretary of State may dismiss an appeal or referral where, having considered the appeal or referral, the Secretary of State is of the opinion that the appeal or referral is— (a) vexatious, frivolous or without substance or foundation, or (b) made with the sole intention of— (i) delaying the development, or (ii) securing the payment of money, gifts or other inducement by any person.”” This new clause would enable the Secretary of State to dismiss appeals or referrals in certain circumstances. New clause 39—Prohibition of solar development on higher-quality agricultural land— “No permission may be granted for the building or installation of provision for solar power generation where the development would involve— (a) the building on or development of agricultural land at grade 1, 2, or 3a, and (b) building or installation at ground-level.” This new clause would prohibit the development of solar power generation on higher quality agricultural land. New clause 40—Review of method for assessing local housing need— “(1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, review the standard method for assessing local housing need. (2) A review under this section must consider— (a) how the method for assessing local housing need should consider different types of property; (b) basing calculations on price per square metre rather than price per unit. (3) In conducting a review under this section, the Secretary of State must consult— (a) local councils; and (b) any other parties the Secretary of State considers appropriate. (4) Upon completion of the review, the Secretary of State must— (a) lay before Parliament a report which summarises the evidence considered in the review and the review’s final conclusions or recommendations; (b) provide guidance to local planning authorities and other relevant bodies on how they should calculate and consider local housing need.” New clause 41—New towns to contribute towards housing targets— “In any national or local plan or strategy which sets targets for the building of new houses, houses built as part of new towns may contribute to the meeting of such targets.” New clause 43—Protection of villages— “(1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, issue guidance for local planning authorities, or update any relevant existing guidance, relating to the protection of villages. (2) Any guidance issued under this section must provide villages with equivalent protection, so far as is appropriate, as is provided for towns in relation to— (a) preventing villages from merging into one another, (b) preventing villages merging into towns, and (c) preserving the setting and special character of historic villages.” This new clause would provide existing villages with protection equivalent to that currently provided to towns under the NPPF. New clause 44—Sustainable drainage (No. 2)— “The Secretary of State must, within one month of the passing of this Act— (a) bring into force Schedule 3 (Sustainable drainage) of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, and (b) provide guidance to local planning authorities, land and property developers and other relevant stakeholders on— (i) how to incorporate sustainable drainage into new developments, and (ii) the minimum expected standards for ongoing maintenance of sustainable drainage infrastructure.” This new clause would require the Secretary of State to bring into force the sustainable drainage provisions of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and provide guidance on the building in of sustainable drainage in future developments. New clause 45—No planning permission to be granted in cases of intentional unauthorised development— “(1) A local planning authority may not grant consent for development where there has been intentional unauthorised development in respect of the land or properties which are to be subject to that development. (2) For the purposes of this section, “intentional unauthorised development”— (a) includes any development of land undertaken in advance of obtaining planning permission; (b) does not include any unintentional, minor or trivial works undertaken without having obtained the relevant permission. (3) Where works under subsection (2)(b) are undertaken, the local planning authority may require relevant permissions to be obtained retrospectively.” New clause 46—Duty to complete development of local infrastructure— “(1) This section applies where— (a) a Development Consent Order is made providing for, or (b) a Strategic Development Scheme includes provision for, the development of local infrastructure. (2) Where subsection (1) applies, the developer must deliver the relevant local infrastructure in full. (3) For the purposes of this section, “local infrastructure” has such meaning as the Secretary of State may specify, but must include— (a) schools, (b) nurseries, and (c) General Practice clinics. (4) A duty under this section may be disapplied with the consent of the relevant local planning authority.” This new clause aims to ensure that commitments to provide local infrastructure such as schools and GP clinics, approved as part of a development, are permanent and legally binding. New clause 47—Development of land for the public benefit— “(1) This section applies where— (a) a developer has entered into an obligation under section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 which requires the development of local community infrastructure; and (b) such development— (i) has not been completed, and it is not intended or anticipated that the development will be completed; or (ii) has been subject to a change of circumstance which means that it will not or cannot be used for its intended purpose. (2) Where this section applies— (a) the relevant land remains under the ownership of the local planning authority; (b) the local planning authority may only develop or permit the development of the land for the purposes of providing a community asset; (c) the local planning authority must, when proposing to develop the land under subsection (2)(b), consult the local community before commencing development or granting permission for any development. (3) For the purposes of this section— “local community infrastructure” means a development for the benefit of the local community, including schools, nurseries, and medical centres, “community asset” means— (a) a public park; (b) a public leisure facility; (c) social housing; (d) such other assets as the local planning authority may specify, provided that their development is to meet the needs of the local community.” This new clause provides that land designated development as community infrastructure under a S106 agreement will not be returned to a developer to use for other purposes in the event that the original purpose is not fulfilled. It provides instead that land would remain under the control of the local planning authority for development as a community asset. New clause 48—Neighbourhood plans— “The Secretary of State may only— (a) grant a development consent order where the Secretary of State believes that the application for consent gives due consideration to any relevant neighbourhood plan; (b) permit a variation to a neighbourhood plan which, in the opinion of the Secretary of State— (i) is clearly justifiable; (ii) is unlikely to compromise the overall intention of the neighbourhood plan; and (iii) has been proposed in a clear and timely manner.” This new clause would require due consideration to be given to neighbourhood plans when deciding on an application for development consent. New clause 49—Review of land value capture— “(1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, conduct a review of land value capture. (2) A review under this section must consider— (a) the benefits of different methods of land value capture; (b) international best practice; (c) how changes to existing practice could assist in the meeting of housing targets and the delivery of critical infrastructure and public services; and (d) how any changes to existing practice could be incorporated into UK planning law. (3) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the conclusion of the review, lay before Parliament a report on the findings of the review.” To require a review into methods of land value capture, to ensure the public benefit from instances where land value rises sharply, and for this to be considered to be incorporated into UK planning legislation. New clause 50—Guidance relating to social rent homes— “(1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, provide or update guidance for all parties involved in local or national planning decisions on how they can contribute to the provision of social rent homes through the exercise of their planning or development functions. (2) Guidance produced under this section must include reference to the number of social rent homes which the Government intends to be delivered each year.” This new clause requires the Government to set a national target for the number of Social Rent homes to be delivered per year. New clause 51—Prohibition of solar development and battery storage facilities on all agricultural land— “No permission may be granted for the building or installation of provision for solar power generation or battery storage where the development would involve— (a) the building on or development of any grade of agricultural land used in food production, and (b) building or installation at ground-level.” This new clause would prohibit the development of solar power generation and battery storage on all agricultural land. New clause 52—Local planning authority powers relating to new towns— “(1) A local planning authority whose area includes the whole or any part of a new town may— (a) include any of the area of the new town as land to be developed in any local plan which covers a period between the designation of the new town and the completion of development, (b) include in the local planning authority’s housing target any houses expected to be provided by or in the new town during the period covered by the local planning authority’s local plan, (c) include any housing expected to be provided by or in the new town in any consideration of the local planning authority’s 5 year housing land supply, and (d) disregard National Planning Policy Framework guidance relating to the duty on local planning authorities and county councils to cooperate on strategic matters crossing administrative boundaries as it relates to the delivery of housing numbers originally allocated to a neighbouring authority. (2) For the purposes of this section, “new town” means a town developed by a corporation under section 1 of the New Towns Act 1981.” This new clause would provide local planning authorities with the ability to include new towns in local plans and housing targets, and give planning authorities certain powers with regard to new towns. New clause 53—Prohibition of development on functional floodplains— “(1) No local planning authority may grant planning permission for any development which is to take place on a functional floodplain. (2) The Secretary of State must, within three months of the passing of this Act, issue new guidance, or update existing guidance where such guidance exists, relating to development in flood zones and the management of flood risk.” This new clause would prevent local planning authorities from allowing developments on functional floodplains. New clause 54—Assessment of impact of nature restoration levy on environmental protections— “(1) The Secretary of State must publish an annual assessment of the impact of the introduction of a nature restoration levy. (2) Any report published under this section must include— (a) an analysis of the impact of— (i) the introduction of a nature restoration levy, and (ii) the disregarding of obligations under section 65(3) on environmental protections; and (b) an overview of each occasion where— (i) the nature restoration levy has been paid, and (ii) obligations have been disregarded under section 65(3).” This new clause would require the Secretary of State to publish assessments of the impact of the nature restoration levy and the disregarding of obligations under the Habitats Regulations 2017 or Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 on environmental protections. New clause 55—Impact on major infrastructure on local area— “The presence, or planned presence, of any major infrastructure project in an area may— (a) exempt the relevant local planning authority from being required to meet national or local housing targets or other development targets; (b) be a material consideration in any decision-making relating to further development proposed in that area.” This new clause would ensure that areas hosting pieces of major infrastructure – such as transport projects, prisons and NSIPs – may not be expected to meet their full housing or other development targets and can have such projects taken into account when decisions relating to further planning applications are made. New clause 56—Building regulations: biodiversity— “(1) Within six months of the passing of this Act the Secretary of State must bring forward regulations under section 1 of the Building Act 1984 for the purposes of— (a) protecting and enhancing biodiversity, and (b) contributing to the achievement of biodiversity targets and interim targets set out under the Environment Act 2021. (2) Regulations under this section must include provision— (a) for the appropriate installation and maintenance of measures including— (i) bird boxes, (ii) bat boxes, (iii) swift bricks, (iv) hedgehog highways, (v) splash-free pavements, and (vi) biodiverse roofs and walls, (b) limiting the use of artificial grass in a garden or in or on land associated with a dwelling or building covered by the regulations.” This new clause would require the Secretary of State to introduce regulations to require new developments to include design features that will contribute to the protection and enhancement of biodiversity and the achievement of Environment Act targets. New clause 57—Co-ordination in the development of energy projects— “(1) Where two or more energy developers are engaged in the development of projects relating to energy infrastructure within the same area, there is a duty on each developer to— (a) exchange relevant information relating to project design, construction, and environmental impact; (b) cooperate in the development of shared infrastructure where feasible and appropriate; (c) take reasonable steps to reduce cumulative impacts on the environment, local communities, and existing infrastructure; and (d) seek alignment of timelines and operational practices to minimise disruption. (2) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, publish guidance for such developers, which must include— (a) criteria for determining when coordination is required; (b) mechanisms for dispute resolution between developers; (c) standards for joint planning and reporting; and (d) details of consultation required with affected local authorities and communities. (3) Where subsection (1) applies, a relevant local planning authority may require the submission of a Joint Coordination Statement by the developers. (4) A Joint Coordination Statement must include— (a) an overview of each developer’s proposed works within the area, (b) an identification of shared infrastructure opportunities, (c) assessment of cumulative environmental and social impacts, (d) details of measures proposed to mitigate identified environmental and social impacts, and (e) a proposed governance structure for ongoing coordination during construction and operation, and must be submitted as part of or in addition to development consent applications. (5) A party which fails to comply with any of the requirements of this section may be subject to— (a) a delay in granting, or a refusal of, development consent; (b) the imposition of conditions on an application for consent requiring such coordination; or (c) such financial or legal penalties as may be prescribed by the Secretary of State in regulations. (6) For the purposes of this section— “area” means an area determined by the relevant planning authority or Secretary of State where coordination is deemed necessary due to overlapping or adjacent projects; “energy developer” means any person or body undertaking or proposing to undertake energy generation, transmission, or distribution infrastructure projects; “shared infrastructure” includes roads, grid connections, substations, and other physical or operational systems.” This new clause would require developers to cooperate in the development of energy projects when they are taking place in the same area. It also empowers local planning authorities to require statements detailing such cooperation. New clause 58—Environment and climate duty: forestry land— “When exercising any planning or development function relating to forestry land, or when contributing to or participating in the exercise of any such function, the appropriate forestry authority must take all reasonable steps to contribute to— (a) the achievement of targets set under sections 1 to 3 of the Environment Act 2021 and any interim targets set out in the Environmental Improvement Plan; (b) the achievement of targets set under Part 1 of the Climate Change Act 2008; and (c) the delivery of the programme for adaptation to climate change under section 58 of the Climate Change Act 2008.” New clause 59—Regard to existing use of land in exercise of planning functions— “After section 58B of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 insert— “58C Duty of regard to existing use of land in granting permissions (1) In considering whether to grant planning permission or permission in principle for the development of land in England, the decision maker must have special regard to the existing use of land within the vicinity of the land in relation to which permission is being considered. (2) In complying with this section, the decision maker must consider whether to grant permission subject to such conditions that would promote the integration of the proposed development of land with any existing use of land, including such conditions as may be necessary to mitigate the impact of noise on the proposed development. (3) In this section, “decision maker” means the local planning authority or (as the case may be) the Secretary of State.”” This new clause imposes a duty to have special regard to the existing use of land when considering whether to grant planning permission and, in particular, whether there are any planning conditions that would promote the integration of the proposed development (such as conditions relating to mitigation of noise caused by an existing use). This reflects the “agent of change” principle referred to in paragraph 200 of the National Planning Policy Framework. New clause 60—Time-limited permission for landfill sites— “Where— (a) planning permission has previously been granted for a landfill site, (b) landfill operations at the site have been ceased for a period of ten years, and (c) a new party wishes to resume landfill operations at the site, the party who wishes to resume landfill operations at the site must submit a new application for permission to develop or operate the landfill site.” This new clause would mean that, where a landfill site has been dormant for a period of ten years, a new planning application is required to resume operations at the site. New clause 61—Minimum depth requirement for underground cables on agricultural land— “(1) Where a development involves the laying of electrical or communications cables under land currently in active agricultural use, such cables must be buried to a minimum depth of 1.8 metres from the surface level. (2) For the purposes of subsection (1), “active agricultural use” includes, but is not limited to, land used for arable farming, including the ploughing, sowing, and harvesting of crops. (3) The Secretary of State may by regulations provide for exemptions from the requirement in subsection (1) only where— (a) the developer can demonstrate that installing at such depth is technically unfeasible, and (b) alternative measures are put in place to ensure active agricultural use is not adversely affected. (4) Regulations under subsection (4) must be made by statutory instrument and must not come into force until approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.” This new clause would require electrical or communications cables required as part of a new development to be installed at least 1.8m under agricultural land. New clause 62—Impact of the Act on biodiversity and nature investment— “(1) The Secretary of State must, within 3 months of the passing of this Act, publish a report on the impact of the nature restoration levy on– (a) biodiversity net gain, and (b) initiatives to encourage investment in nature markets. (2) A report produced under this section must be laid before both Houses of Parliament.” New clause 63—Guidance on planting along highways— “(1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, issue guidance for developers, local planning authorities and other relevant parties on the planting of trees, shrubs, plants or grass alongside highways constructed as part of— (a) any new transport infrastructure; (b) any other development for which consent has been granted. (2) Guidance issued under this section must— (a) outline how licence conditions under section 142(5) of the Highways Act 1980 (licence to plant trees, shrubs, etc., in a highway) are to be applied and complied with in a way which— (i) is not unreasonably burdensome on applicants for licences, and (ii) does not prevent or discourage the planting of trees, shrubs, plants or grass; (b) provide model licence conditions, standard designs, and planting palettes.” This new clause would require the Secretary of State to publish guidance on the planting of trees and other plants alongside new highways. New clause 64—Rural Exception Sites— “(1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, take steps to support the delivery of housing through the Rural Exception Sites mechanism. (2) Steps to be taken must include— (a) reviewing the National Planning Policy Framework; (b) publishing best practice guidance on— (i) assessing the viability of Rural Exception Sites; (ii) the setting of incentives for landowners and delivery partners to deliver housing on Rural Exception Sites.” New clause 65—Provision of green space in new housing developments— “Any application for permission for the development of housing must include provision for— (a) green spaces, including private gardens, balconies, and community gardens; (b) open green space which can be accessed by residents using active transport within fifteen minutes; and (c) the care and maintenance of the green spaces provided for under this section.” New clause 66—Fire authorities to be statutory consultees for applications relating to Battery Energy Storage Solutions— “In Schedule 4 of the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) Order 2015, after paragraph (zf) insert— ‘(zg) Development involving Battery Energy Storage Solutions The relevant fire authority’” This new clause would ensure that fire authorities are included as statutory consultees in planning applications involving Battery Energy Storage Solutions (BESS’s). New clause 67—Requirement to undertake planned affordable housing construction— “(1) Where an application to develop affordable housing has been granted, no amendment to the amount of affordable housing to be developed may be made if the reasons for the amendment include— (a) the affordability to the applicant; or (b) that providing such affordable housing would make the development unprofitable for the applicant. (2) This section applies where the provision of affordable housing forms the whole of or part of the proposed development. (3) For the purposes of this section “develop” has the meaning given by section 336 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.” This new clause would mean that, where a developer has committed in their initial application to providing a certain number of affordable homes, they would be prohibited from lowering that provision based on affordability or profitability. New clause 71—Display of new advertisements— “In section 220(1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (regulations controlling display of advertisements), omit “amenity or public safety” and insert “amenity, environmental impact, public safety or public health.” This new clause amends the section 220 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to add environmental impact and public health to the considerations for which the Secretary of State can restrict or regulate the display of advertisements. New clause 73—Building regulations: swift bricks— “(1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, introduce regulations under Section 1 of the Building Act 1984 to make provision for the installation of an average of one swift brick per dwelling or unit greater than 5 metres in height. (2) Regulations must require the installation of swift bricks in line with best practice guidance, except where such installation is not practicable or appropriate. (3) For the purposes of this section— “swift brick” means an integral nest box integrated into the wall of a building suitable for the nesting of the Common Swift and other cavity nesting species; “best practice guidance” means the British Standard BS 42021:2022.” This new clause would require the Secretary of State to introduce regulations to require the installation of integral bird nest boxes and swift boxes in developments greater than 5 metres in height. Swift bricks provide nesting habitat for all bird species reliant on cavity nesting habitat in buildings to breed. New clause 74—Refusal of permission to reduce affordable housing in large scale developments— “(1) If an application is made for reserved planning permission relating to a large scale housing development which seeks to reduce the amount of affordable housing originally proposed by a developer as part of an application for outline planning permission, the local planning authority must refuse the application. (2) Where— (a) a local planning authority has agreed an application for a modification or discharge of a planning obligation under section 106A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, and (b) the modification or discharge would reduce the amount of affordable housing from that originally proposed by a developer in the outline planning application, this section applies. (3) In this section “large scale housing development” means any development which includes more than 500 houses in the outline planning application.” New clause 75—Change of certain use classes to require permission— “In article 3(1) of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987, at end insert “, subject to paragraphs (1AA) and (1AB). (1AA) Where a building is used for the purpose of Class C3, the use of that building for the purpose of Class C4 is to be taken to involve development of the land.”” This new clause would mean that converting a residential dwelling into a house of multiple occupation would require planning permission. New clause 77—Embodied carbon assessments— “(1) Local planning authorities must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act— (a) require applications for permission for developments which exceed a specified gross internal area and number of dwellings to include an embodied carbon assessment; (b) consider a relevant embodied carbon assessment as a material factor when considering whether to grant permission for the development. (2) The Secretary of State must— (a) approve a methodology for calculating embodied carbon emissions; (b) provide guidance on how the whole-life carbon emissions of buildings must be expressed; and (c) establish a centralised reporting platform to which embodied carbon and whole life carbon assessments must be submitted. (3) For the purposes of this section— “embodied carbon” means the total emissions associated with materials and construction processes involved in the full life cycle of a project; “whole life carbon” means the combination of embodied and operational emissions across the full life cycle of a project; “operational emissions” means the carbon emissions from the energy used once a project is operational, including from heating, lighting and cooling.” This new clause would require the submission of embodied carbon assessments for larger developments as part of the planning application and consideration of these by local planning authorities. The Secretary of State will be required to approve a methodology, issue guidance, and establish a centralised reporting platform for whole-life carbon emissions. New clause 78—Requirement regarding the provision of social housing under housing plans— “(1) Any national or local plan or strategy which relates to the building or development of housing must— (a) state the proportion of social housing which must be provided as part of any such development; and (b) require any such housing to be delivered to a net zero carbon building standard. (2) The proportion of social rent housing to be provided under subsection (1)(a) must be based on an assessment of the need for social rent homes in the relevant area. (3) Any assessment of the need for social rent homes must consider— (a) levels of homelessness, (b) the number of children in temporary accommodation, and (c) the number of households on social housing waiting lists, in the relevant area.” This new clause would require housing plans to state the proportion of social rent housing to be provided (based on an assessment of need) and require those homes to be built to a net zero carbon building standard. New clause 79—Duty of cooperation between neighbouring authorities— “(1) A local planning authority has a duty to cooperate with neighbouring local planning authorities when considering an application for development consent which could affect the area of a neighbouring local planning authority. (2) In carrying out a duty to cooperate under this section, a local planning authority must— (a) consult neighbouring authorities on the content of the application; (b) take account of any neighbouring authority’s response to such consultation when reaching a decision on the application. (3) For the purposes of this section, a development affects the area of a neighbouring local planning authority if— (a) it directly adjoins any land within the area; or (b) the construction, maintenance and occupation of the development would alter the environment, character, or infrastructure of the area.” This new clause will ensure that Local Authorities have to work together when considering planning applications that will also impact the neighbouring Authority due to its geographical location. New clause 80—Distribution of s.106 funding between local planning areas— “(1) This section applies where a person interested in land in the area of a local planning authority has— (a) entered into a planning obligation under section 106 of the Town and Country Act 1990, (b) the planning obligation requires a sum or sums to be paid to the authority on a specified date or dates or periodically, and (c) the land in question is within a certain proximity of an area of a neighbouring local planning authority. (2) A local planning authority has a duty to distribute part or parts of the sum or sums to the neighbouring planning authority. (3) Where the conditions in subsection (1) are met in relation to more than one neighbouring local planning authority, the duty applies in such a way as to require distribution to each neighbouring authority. (4) The Secretary of State may by regulations made by statutory instrument specify— (a) the method by which any sum payable to a neighbouring local authority is to be calculated and distributed; (b) the meanings of— (i) “certain proximity of an area”, and (ii) “neighbouring planning authority” for the purposes of this section; (c) any other provisions as the Secretary of State deems appropriate for the purposes of this section. (5) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.” This new clause will require local authorities to distribute s.106 funding to neighbouring authorities should a development be in proximity to that local authority area. New clause 81—Subsidy of s.106 agreements prior to development— “(1) This section applies where— (a) a person interested in land in the area of a local planning authority has entered into a planning obligation under section 106 of the Town and Country Act 1990, and (b) the person has received development consent for— (i) housing, and (ii) any infrastructure reasonably connected with the provision of that housing. (2) The person may only begin development if— (a) the Secretary of State has paid to the local planning authority a sum equivalent to any sum under the section 106 agreement for the purposes of developing infrastructure; (b) the person applying for permission must enter into an agreement with the Secretary of State to repay to them the total sum paid out under paragraph (a) (a “repayment agreement”). (3) For the purposes of this section, “infrastructure” has such meaning as the Secretary of State may specify, but may include— (a) roadways; (b) utilities; (c) educational provision; (d) medical facilities; (e) recreational facilities; (f) routes for active travel.” This amendment will enable the Secretary of State to pay the equivalent of s.106 contributions to local authorities up front for the purpose of developing planned infrastructure, and thereafter reclaim it from the relevant developer. New clause 82—Play Sufficiency Duty— “(1) A local planning authority in England must, so far as reasonably practicable, assess, secure, enhance, and protect sufficient opportunities for children’s play when exercising any of its planning functions. (2) In fulfilling the duty under subsection (1), a local planning authority must— (a) undertake and publish play sufficiency assessments at intervals to be defined in regulations; (b) integrate the findings and recommendations of such assessments into local plans, relevant strategies, infrastructure planning, and development decisions; (c) not give permission for any development which would lead to a net loss of formal or informal play spaces except where equivalent or improved provision is secured; (d) require new developments to provide high-quality, accessible, inclusive play opportunities which incorporate natural features and are integrated within broader public spaces; and (e) consult regularly with children, families, communities, and play professionals regarding play provision. (3) A play sufficiency assessment produced under subsection (2)(a) must specifically evaluate and report on the quantity, quality, accessibility, inclusivity, and integration of play opportunities within the planning authority’s area. (4) The Secretary of State may, by regulations, specify— (a) the frequency, methodology, content, and publication requirements of play sufficiency assessments; (b) minimum design standards and quality expectations for formal and informal play provision; (c) developer obligations regarding play infrastructure contributions to be secured through planning conditions. (5) For the purposes of this section— “play” means activities undertaken by children and young people that are freely chosen, self-directed, and carried out following their own interests, in their own way, and for their own reasons; “play opportunities” include formal and informal play spaces, parks, open spaces, streets, schools, neighbourhood spaces, natural green areas, active travel routes, supervised play settings (including adventure playgrounds), and community recreation facilities; “sufficient” means adequate in quantity, quality, accessibility, inclusivity, and integration within community infrastructure.” New clause 83—Housing developments to include children’s play areas— Any application for the development of new housing where the majority of units comprise more than one bedroom must include provision for adequate outdoor children’s play areas as part of the development.” New clause 84—Prohibition of battery energy storage systems on higher-quality agricultural land— “No permission may be granted for the building or installation of provision for battery energy storage systems where the development would involve the building on or development of agricultural land at grade 1, 2, or 3a.” This new clause would prohibit the development of battery energy storage systems on higher quality agricultural land. New clause 86—Joint Nature and Conservation Committee Report— “(1) The Joint Nature and Conservation Committee must publish a report on how best to consolidate the provisions of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 into the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in so far as they relate to planning and development. (2) The report required by subsection (1) must be published by the end of 2025.” This new clause would require the Joint Nature and Conservation Committee to report on how to consolidate the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, in so far as they relate to planning and development. New clause 87—Designation of chalk streams as protected sites— “Within six months of the passage of this Act, the Secretary of State must publish proposals to designate more chalk streams as protected sites”. This amendment would require the Secretary of State to designate as protected sites more of the 209 out of 220 chalk streams that are not currently legally protected. New clause 88—Use of grey water recycling in new developments— “In any application for development, the applicant must include a statement outlining their consideration of and proposals for the use of grey water recycling in the new property.” New clause 89—Prohibition of cross-subsidy on Rural Exception Sites— “(1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, take steps to prohibit cross-subsidy on Rural Exception Sites. (2) Steps to be taken must include reviewing the National Planning Policy Framework. (3) For the purposes of this section, “cross-subsidy” means the use of any financial proceeds from the sale or letting of housing at market rate on a Rural Exception Site for the purposes of subsidising the sale or letting of any other housing on the same Rural Exception Site.” This new clause would require the secretary of state to take steps to prohibit cross-subsidy on rural exception sites. New clause 90—Cap on profits for developers— “(1) Within six months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must make regulations which limit the profits which may be made by a housing or property developer. (2) Regulations under this section must— (a) provide that a developer may not make a profit from a development which is greater than 10% of the estimated cost of the scheme to be developed; (b) where a developer makes a profit of more than 10%, set out procedures for the reclamation and use of any excess profit. (3) This section applies to all developments which receive consent after the passing of this Act.” This new clause would limit the profit a developer makes from any development to 10% of the estimated cost of the development. New clause 91—Extension and application of use classes in planning— “(1) A local planning authority must prescribe a limit on the number of buildings within its area which are used for the purposes of Class C5 or C6. (2) Before setting a limit under subsection (1) a local planning authority must— (a) consult residents of the local planning area, and (b) publish a report on the outcome of the consultation. (3) A local planning authority must refuse any application for development consent which would have the effect of increasing the number of buildings used for the purposes of Class C5 or C6 above any limit prescribed under subsection (1).” This new clause would require local planning authorities to place a limit on the number (or proportion of housing stock) of second homes and short-term lets in their area, and refuse planning applications that would have the effect of exceeding the limit. New clause 92—Change in use class upon transfer of property— “(1) Where a building— (a) is used the purposes of Class C5 or C6, and (b) there is a change in its registered owner, the use class of the building is to be automatically amended to Class C3. (2) In this section, “change in its registered owner” means any change in the ownership of a property which requires a registration, or amendment to an existing registration made, with the Land Registry.” This new clause would require that when property used as a short-term let or second home changes owners, it reverts immediately to having permission only to be used as a main residence, unless subsequent planning permission is sought and secured. New clause 93—Permitted development and charging points— “(1) Part 2 of Schedule 2 to The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 is amended as follows. (2) In paragraph D of class D, after “parking”, insert “or adjacent to a public highway lawfully used for on-street parking where a local highway authority approved cross-pavement charging solution is installed, ”. (3) In paragraph 1 of class D, after subparagraph (a) add— “(b) overhang the footway by more than 150mm perpendicular to the property boundary including the cable plug when it is plugged in;””. This new clause extends permitted development rights to charge points powering EVs parked on-street, where an approved cross-pavement charging solution is present and the charger does not overhang the footway by more than 15cm. Installations still require approval by the Local Highways Authority to control liabilities, maintenance, and parking arrangements. New clause 94—Installation of digital infrastructure— “In Section 48 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (streets, street works and undertakers), after subsection (3) insert— “(3ZA) In this Part, “street works” also includes works relating to digital infrastructure, and any reference to subsection (3) is to be read accordingly.””. New clause 95—Digital infrastructure planning officers— “(1) Local planning authorities must appoint persons to carry out functions relating to the promotion of digital infrastructure development within the planning system. (2) Such persons may— (a) advise planning officers, committees, and any other relevant person about the inclusion of digital infrastructure within a proposed development; (b) assess the digital infrastructure needs of any local community likely to be affected by a proposed development; (c) propose amendments to proposed developments to improve the provision of digital infrastructure; (d) carry out any other duty relating to the assessment and provision of digital infrastructure within proposed developments as the local planning authority may require. (3) Any amendment proposed under paragraph (2)(c) may include alternation to existing street furniture and infrastructure provision for the purposes of fulfilling the digital infrastructure needs of a proposed development.” New clause 96—Assessment of need for banking services— (1) In any case where a proposed development in a settlement would have the potential effect of increasing the population size of a town and any settlements reasonably considered reliant on the town for provision of public services to at least 5000 persons, the local planning authority has a duty to assess the need for a banking hub within the town settlement. (2) In meeting a duty under this section, the local planning authority may consult— (a) residents of the settlement and its local area; (b) the relevant developer; (c) the Post Office; (d) LINK; (e) providers of banking services, and (f) any other relevant person. (3) The local authority must publish a report on its assessment before any grant of permission can be made.” New clause 97—Flood risk mitigation: planning permission— “When considering an application for development consent, a local planning authority has a duty to consider whether any development of the land for which consent is sought could have the effect of increasing flood risk, or reducing flood mitigation, to any neighbouring land or development.” New clause 98—Flood resilience measures for new homes— “(1) Within six months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must make regulations under section 1 of the Building Act 1984 to require that property flood resilience measures are included in any new homes. (2) Property flood resilience measures under this section may include— (a) raised electrical sockets; (b) non-return valves on utility pipes; (c) airbricks; (d) resilient wall plaster; (e) any other measure as the Secretary of State may specify.” New clause 99—Obligation on developers to consider climate and flood resilience— “(1) No local planning authority may approve an application for development unless it is satisfied that the applicant has considered how the development would contribute to— (a) the UK’s climate resilience, and (b) flood resilience in the area surrounding the development. (2) The Secretary of State must, every twelve months starting with the day twelve months after which this Act is passed, publish a review of the extent to which applications approved in the previous twelve months would contribute to the aims set out in subsection (1).” New clause 100—Conditions to mitigate overheating risk— “In section 70 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, after subsection (1) insert— “(1ZA) Where an application is made to a local planning authority for planning permission for residential development, the authority may impose conditions which require the implementation of measures to mitigate the risk of overheating where local climatic data indicates elevated risk.”” This new clause would allow local planning authorities to impose conditions on residential developments to mitigate the risk of overheating, where local climate data shows elevated risk. New clause 101—Cooling hierarchy guidance— “The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, issue guidance for local planning authorities which— (a) outlines a cooling hierarchy; and (b) provides guidance on the application of the cooling hierarchy in the exercise of a local planning authority’s planning and development functions.” This new clause would require the Secretary of State to publish guidance for local planning authorities on applying the "cooling hierarchy" - a structured approach to reducing overheating risk in buildings, prioritising passive and sustainable design measures. New clause 102—Overheating risk assessments— “(1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, require all applications for planning permission for residential development to include an overheating risk assessment. (2) An overheating risk assessment must be conducted in accordance with— (a) the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers’ design methodology for the assessment of overheating risk in homes, or (b) any successor standard designated by the Secretary of State.” This new clause would require all planning applications for residential development to include an overheating risk assessment, conducted in line with the latest recognised technical standard, such as those of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE). New clause 103—Incorporation of features to mitigate overheating risk— “(1) When preparing any plan or strategy relating to the development of housing under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, a local planning authority must have regard to the need for residential developments to incorporate passive design features that mitigate the risk of overheating. (2) Passive design features may include— (a) cross-ventilation, (b) external shading, (c) solar control glazing, and (d) thermal mass.” This new clause would require local planning authorities, when preparing housing-related plans or strategies, to have regard to the need for residential developments to include passive design features that reduce the risk of overheating, such as cross-ventilation, external shading, solar control glazing, and thermal mass. New clause 104—Access to data on overheating risk— “(1) For the purposes of supporting the making of local plans, spatial development strategies and planning decisions, the Secretary of State must make provision for local planning authorities to have access to relevant data relating to overheating risk. (2) The Secretary of State must ensure that data on overheating risk made available to local planning authorities is updated at intervals not exceeding five years.” This new clause would require the Secretary of State to ensure that local planning authorities have access to up-to-date data on overheating risk, to support the making of local plans, spatial development strategies, and planning decisions. New clause 105—Regard to flood risk guidance when considering development on flood plains— “(1) When preparing a local plan for an area which includes a flood plain or considering an application for development on a flood plain, a local planning authority must have regard to— (a) the sequential and exception tests; (b) the most up to date guidance on flood risk produced by the Government. (2) For the purposes of this section— “sequential test” means steering new development to areas with the lowest risk of flooding, taking all sources of flood risk and climate change into account. Where it is not possible to locate development in low-risk areas, reasonably available sites within medium risk areas should be considered, with sites within high-risk areas only considered where there are no reasonably available sites in low and medium risk areas; “exception test” means that it has been demonstrated that the development would provide wider sustainability benefits to the community that outweigh the flood risk and that the development will be safe for its lifetime taking account of the vulnerability of its users, without increasing flood risk elsewhere, and, where possible, will reduce flood risk overall.” This new clause would require local planning authorities to have regard to the sequential and exception tests on managing flood risk when considering applications for development on flood plains. New clause 106—Requirement for installation of flood resilience measures— “(1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, amend relevant Approved Documents to require the installation of flood resilience measures in properties being developed on land which is at risk of flooding. (2) Flood resilience measures must be specified and installed in accordance with the Construction Industry Research and Information Association’s code of practice for property flood resilience.” This new clause would require Approved Documents to require the installation, to CIRIA’s code of practice, of property flood resilience measures in properties being developed on land which is at risk of flooding. New clause 108—Planning applications for homes to address housing need— “(1) Where an application proposes to provide housing, the applicant must demonstrate how the proposed development will contribute towards reducing the housing need in the local planning area where the development would take place. (2) A “housing need” under this section— (a) has such meaning as a local planning authority for the relevant local planning area may determine, and (b) must be communicated clearly to any applicants proposing to provide housing in reasonable time before any application is submitted.” New clause 109—Conditions for development on greenfield sites— “Permission may only be granted for development on a greenfield site where– (a) the applicant has proved that there are no appropriate alternative brownfield sites which could be used for the development, and (b) the applicant has held a public consultation on the development of the greenfield site.” New clause 110—Prioritisation of development on brownfield sites— “(1) Any local or national plan or strategy which relates to the building or provision of housing must prioritise development on brownfield sites. (2) The Secretary of State must take steps to support the development of housing on brownfield sites. (3) Steps to be taken under subsection (2) may include– (a) the disapplication of certain planning requirements or regulations; (b) exemption from certain consultation requirements.” New clause 111—Statements of service charges— “(1) Where it is proposed that a development of social housing will impose service charges on residents, the application for such a development must include a statement of service charges which are to be applicable to residents of the new housing. (2) Before granting permission for such development, a local planning authority must consider whether the statement of service charges— (a) proposes service charge models which are fair, affordable, appropriate, and limited to services directly accessible to the residents; (b) includes provision for annual, itemised breakdowns of applicable service charges to be provided to residents; (c) provides for service charges to not apply where units are used as temporary emergency accommodation for individuals or families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.” New clause 112—Requirement to undertake planned affordable housing construction (No. 2)— “Where an application proposes— (a) to develop more than 10 houses, and (b) that at least 20% of the houses to be developed will be social housing, no amendment to the amount of social housing to be developed may be made if the amendment reduces the amount of social housing below 20% of the houses to be developed if the reason for the amendment is the viability to the applicant.” This new clause would prevent developers from seeking to reduce commitments to provide social housing on the grounds of viability. New clause 113—New towns to contribute towards social housing targets— “In any national or local plan or strategy which sets targets for the building of new social housing, houses built as part of new towns may contribute to the meeting of such targets.” This new clause would ensure that new towns contribute to social housing targets. New clause 115—Identification and protection of Green Belt— “(1) Within two years of the passing of this Act, a local planning authority must identify land within its area which it is necessary to protect from development. (2) It is necessary to protect land from development under subsection (1) if such protection would— (a) limit the expansion of large built-up areas; (b) prevent neighbouring towns merging into one another; (c) preserve the setting and special character of historic towns; and (d) encourage the development of previously-developed land in urban areas. (3) A local planning authority may designate as Green Belt any land identified under subsection (1) as necessary to protect, including undeveloped land within, and green wedges of land that extend into, built up areas. (4) A local planning authority must prevent any development of land designated as Green Belt under this section for a minimum period of 20 years starting on the day on which it is so designated.” This new clause would ensure that a local planning authority can identify land which it deems necessary to protect from development. New clause 116—Heritage tree preservation orders— “(1) A local planning authority may make a heritage tree preservation order in respect of a heritage tree. (2) The Secretary of State must make provision by regulations for heritage tree preservation orders, which must include provision— (a) for a heritage tree to have all the protections afforded to a tree by a tree preservation order under section 198 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990; (b) requiring the owner of a heritage tree, or any other occupier of the land where the tree stands, to advertise appropriately its status as such, and the penalties for harming it, to persons approaching the tree or planning activities in its vicinity; (c) enabling the responsible planning authority, Natural England or the Secretary of State to order the owner of a heritage tree or any other occupier of the land where the tree stands to take specified reasonable steps to maintain and protect the tree and, if the owner or occupier does not take such steps in reasonable time, to take such steps itself and to recover the reasonable cost of doing so from the owner or occupier; (d) for the responsible planning authority, Natural England, the Secretary of State or another prescribed responsible body to enter into an agreement with the owner or occupier about the care and preservation of the heritage tree (a “heritage tree partnership agreement”), including about costs; (e) for additional or higher penalties for breach of a heritage tree preservation order. (3) The Secretary of State must make provision for the creation, publication and maintenance of a register of heritage trees in respect of which heritage tree preservation orders have been made. (4) For the purposes of this section, “heritage tree” means a tree listed as such by Natural England on grounds of exceptional historic, landscape, cultural or ecologic importance. (5) Natural England must create, publish and maintain a list of heritage trees in England for the purposes of this section.” This new clause provides for the protection of heritage trees. New clause 117—Development consent for betting shops above street level— “A planning authority must not consider any application for development consent— (a) for a new betting shop, or (b) to change the use of an existing building to, or to include, a betting shop, unless the relevant premises proposed to function as a betting shop are at least one storey above street level.” New clause 118—Development of dwellinghouses above shops— “(1) This section applies where an application for development consent proposes to develop any part of a building which is— (a) part of a retail or commercial premises, and (b) is at least one story above ground level. (2) It is permitted to— (a) develop any such part of the building for the purposes of dwellinghouses; (b) include in development safe access and egress to the new dwellinghouses; that does not require any such access and egress through the existing retail or commercial premises.” New clause 119—Internal Drainage Boards to be statutory consultees— “In Schedule 4 of the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015, after paragraph (zf) insert— zg Development falling within any area covered by an Internal Drainage Board The relevant Internal Drainage Board”” New clause 120—Accessibility standards for new homes— “(1) It is a condition of any grant of planning permission for new homes that— all planned homes meet Building Regulations M4(2) (accessible and adaptable dwellings); and the relevant number of homes, as set out in the following table, must meet Building Regulation M4(3) (wheelchair user dwellings)— Number of homes in development Number required to meet Building Regulation M4(3) Up to and including 9 homes A minimum of 1 home Exceeding 9 homes 10% of all homes, rounded to the nearest whole number” New clause 121—Residential development on flood plains— “(1) Where a development involves the building of residential accommodation on a flood plain, no living or social spaces may be located on ground level. (2) For the purposes of this section, “living or social spaces” include bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens and other private or communal rooms or spaces used for social or recreational purposes or for the preparation or consumption of food, but does not include garages or other rooms or spaces used primarily for the purposes of storage.” New clause 122—Availability of small and medium sized properties to be considered— “(1) When considering an application for development which would increase the size or number of bedrooms in a residential property which has a maximum of two bedrooms, a local planning authority must consider the availability and affordability of small and medium sized properties in the authority’s area. (2) Where the authority considers that the extension of a small or medium sized property would have a detrimental impact on the availability and affordability of such properties in the authority’s area, the authority may not grant permission for the proposed development.” New clause 123—Notices— “(1) Where a party is required to publish a notice relating to proposed or prospective development, such a requirement may be satisfied by the relevant party providing the information to be included in such a notice to— (a) affected individuals directly; (b) a relevant parish or local authority. (2) Where there is no relevant parish authority, the requirement under this section is satisfied if the relevant party notifies the nearest equivalent authority. (3) In the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015, omit the words from “; and” in paragraph 13(1)(a) to the end of paragraph 13(1).” New clause 124—Notices (No. 2)— “(1) Where a party is required to publish notices relating to proposed or prospective development in the vicinity of the area which is to be developed, the relevant party must— (a) place such a notice at the main entrance to the property or site or, where there are multiple entrances, at each entrance; (b) serve notice on the owner of every property located within 250 metres of the external boundary of the relevant site.” New clause 125—Agreements on adoption of new highways— “(1) The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 is amended as follows. (2) In section 62 (applications for planning permission or permission in principle), after subsection (4A) insert— “(4B) Where an application seeks permission for development which includes the construction of a new highway, the local planning authority must require that the application includes a declaration specifying the extent of any highway for which the applicant intends to seek adoption by the local highways authority. (4C) A declaration under subsection (4B) must contain such information and be in such form as the Secretary of State may specify.” (3) After section 106C insert— “106D Requirement to enter into highways adoption agreement before occupation (1) Where the conditions in subsection (2) are satisfied, an agreement must be made under section 38(1) of the Highways Act 1980 (power of highway authorities to adopt by agreement) prior to the occupation of land or buildings resulting from development. (2) The conditions are— (a) that a declaration has been made under section 62(4B) of this Act which specifies that all or part of the highway is intended for adoption; and (b) that the land or buildings to be occupied front one or more highway section intended for adoption. (3) Any agreement must include all highway sections intended for adoption that front the land or buildings to be occupied. (4) For the purposes of this section, “front” has the meaning given for “fronting” in section 203 of the Highways Act 1980.”” This new clause would require developers to declare, when seeking planning permission, that they intend for a highways authority to adopt the roads they construct as part of their development, and enter into an agreement with the highways authority before occupying any building next to the relevant roads. Amendment 87, in clause 2, page 3, line 33, leave out subsection (3). This amendment retains the requirement for the Secretary of State to lay before Parliament a statement setting out their response to a resolution of either House of Parliament or the recommendations of a committee of either House relating to a proposed national planning policy statement. Amendment 128, page 4, line 9, leave out paragraph (a). This amendment would require the Secretary of State to lay before Parliament a response to a resolution made by either House or recommendations made by a committee of either House in relation to amendments to national policy statements. The requirement to do so is otherwise removed by 2(a). Amendment 145, in clause 25, page 34, line 34, after “electricity suppliers” insert “and generators”. This amendment would extend the financial benefit scheme for people living near network transmission infrastructure to those living near new energy generation infrastructure. Amendment 146, page 34, line 38, after “plant” insert “, energy generation,”. This amendment is related to Amendment 145. Amendment 147, page 35, line 2, after “system” insert “or is intended to generate electricity.” This amendment is related to Amendment 145. Government amendment 93. Amendment 3, page 53, line 22, leave out clause 40. This amendment aims to conserve the listed building conservation area and scheduled ancient monument consent requirements that would otherwise be disapplied for transport projects here. Government amendments 94 to 98. Amendment 122, in clause 46, page 58, line 10, leave out “(5)” and insert “(6)”. This amendment is consequential to Amendment 123. Amendment 123, page 58, line 38, at end insert— “(5A) After subsection (5), insert— ‘(6) References in this Part to public charge points are to be taken as including cross-pavement charging solutions.’” This amendment will extend the easements being provided to public charge points of installation without the need for a section 50 street works licence to approved cross-pavement charging solutions. Each site remains subject to Local Highways Authority approval, enabling control over liabilities, maintenance and parking arrangements. Amendment 124, page 59, line 9, at end insert— “‘cross-pavement charging solution’ means a local highway authority approved device, solution or apparatus to safely convey electricity from premises across or under a footway to a vehicle that is capable of being propelled by electrical power derived from a storage battery (or for discharging electricity stored in such a vehicle);”. This amendment is consequential to Amendment 123. Amendment 125, page 59, line 23, at end insert— “cross–pavement charging solution section 105(1);”. This amendment is consequential to Amendment 124. Amendment 127, page 60, line 5, at end insert— “References to public charge points are to be taken as including cross-pavement charging solutions.” This amendment is consequential to Amendment 125. Amendment 141, page 60, line 5, at end insert— “(10) The Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 is amended as set out in subsections (11) and (12). (11) In section 10 (public charging or refuelling points: access, standards and connection)— (a) in subsection (1), after paragraph (b) insert— ‘(ba) the accessibility of public charging or refuelling points;’; (b) after subsection (3) insert— ‘(3A) Regulations under subsection (1)(ba) may, for example, require the operator of a public charging or refuelling point to ensure that the point complies with minimum specifications for placement of a charge point display, bay size, and the height and weight of the charging cable.’ (12) In section 14 (transmission of data relating to charge points), in subsection (2) after ‘energy consumption’ insert ‘, accessibility’.” Amendment 139, in clause 47, page 60, line 12, leave out “(2)” and insert “(1A)”. This amendment is consequential to Amendment 140. Amendment 140, page 60, line 12, at end insert— “(1A) After subsection (1ZZA) insert— ‘(1ZZB) References in subsection (1) to functions of a local planning authority include recovery of costs to authority resulting from enforcement of any breach of planning permission.’” This amendment allows local planning authorities to levy a fee or charge to recover any costs to them associated with enforcing planning rules. It is linked to Amendment 139. Amendment 133, page 60, line 25, at end insert— “(ba) the requirement for proportionality in the level of the fee or charge, based on the nature and size of the development to which the fee or charge will apply;”. This amendment would require authorities to consider the proportionality of the level of any fee or charge they set, based on the nature and size of the works to which the fee or charge will apply. Amendment 126, page 60, line 35, at end insert— “‘cross-pavement charging solution’ means a local highway authority approved device, solution or apparatus to safely convey electricity from premises across or under a footway to a vehicle that is capable of being propelled by electrical power derived from a storage battery (or for discharging electricity stored in such a vehicle);”. This amendment is consequential to Amendment 123. Amendment 129, page 61, line 3, after “imposed” insert “, and must be such an amount as the authority, Mayor or specified person considers to be a proportionate contribution towards the carrying out of their functions under Part 2 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.” This amendment, which is linked with Amendment 130, would expand the planning fees ringfence to allow local planning authorities to spend revenue from planning fees on local plan-making functions under Part 2 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. Amendment 130, page 61, line 15, at end insert— “(ba) functions under Part 2 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.” See the explanatory statement for Amendment 129. Amendment 1, page 67, line 1, leave out clause 50. This amendment would ensure that planning committees retain their existing powers. Amendment 74, in clause 51, page 72, line 27, at end insert— “(1A) A spatial development strategy must prioritise for new development previously-developed land.” This amendment would require that spatial development strategies prioritise development on brownfield land over other locations. Amendment 15, page 72, line 29, at end insert— “(2A) A spatial development strategy must have regard to the need to provide 150,000 new social homes nationally a year.” Amendment 21, page 72, line 38, at end insert— “(4A) For the purposes of subsection (4), ‘infrastructure and public services’ must include— (a) primary and secondary healthcare provision, including mental health provision; (b) social care provision; (c) education, skills and training provision; (d) infrastructure for active travel and public transport; (e) sufficient road capacity; (f) access to such commercial amenities, including shops, as the strategic planning authority deems necessary to support residents of the strategy area; (g) recreational and leisure facilities; and (h) publicly accessible green spaces. (4B) A spatial development strategy must include targets for the provision of strategically important infrastructure and public services which are— (a) considered to be appropriate by the relevant planning authorities and delivery bodies; (b) periodically amended to account for changes in population size or dynamic within the strategy area; (c) annually reported against with regard to the strategic planning authority’s performance.” This amendment would clarify the meaning of strategically important infrastructure and public services, require targets for such provision to be set, and for performance against such targets to be annually reported. Amendment 77, page 72, line 39, after “describe” insert “(subject to the conditions in subsection (5A))”. Amendment 148, page 73, line 1, leave out paragraph (a) and insert— “(a) an amount or distribution of housing the provision of which either— (i) is considered by the strategic planning authority to be of strategic importance to the strategy area, or (ii) meets housing need within, or related to, the strategy area.” This amendment would enable strategic planning boards authorities to choose whether housing allocation based on local need or strategic importance. Amendment 71, page 73, line 7, at end insert— “(c) a specific density of housing development which ensures effective use of land and which the strategic planning authority considers to be of strategic importance to the strategy area.” This amendment requires strategic planning authorities to include a specific housing density in their plans which ensures land is used effectively where it is considered strategically important. Amendment 149, page 73, line 7, at end insert— “(c) the timetable for, and annual targets relating to the delivery of, housing specified or described under this subsection. (5A) In subsection (5) ‘housing need’ has such meaning as a strategic planning authority may determine in consultation with local planning authorities within the strategy area.” This amendment is consequential to Amendment 148. It requires a strategic planning board to set targets for the delivery of any housing specified under this section, and allows a strategic planning board to define housing need in consultation with relevant local authorities. Amendment 78, page 73, line 7, at end insert— “(5A) Where a spatial development strategy specifies or describes an amount or distribution of housing, the strategy must not— (a) increase the number of homes to be developed in any part of the strategy area by more than 20%, or (b) reduce the required number of homes to be developed by more than 20% in any part of a strategy area which is an urban area, when compared to the previous spatial development strategy or the amount of housing currently provided in the relevant area. (5B) In subsection (5A) ‘urban area’ has such meaning as the Secretary of State may by regulations specify.” This amendment would place limits on changes to housing targets in a spatial development strategy. Amendment 134, page 73, line 7, at end insert— “(5A) For the purposes of subsection (5), any amount or distribution of housing or affordable housing includes Gypsy and Traveller sites provided privately, by local authorities, or by other registered social landlords.” This amendment would include Gypsy and Traveller sites in the strategically important housing identified in spatial development strategies. Amendment 16, page 73, line 10, at end insert— “(6A) Where a strategy area includes a chalk stream, the spatial development strategy must include policies on permissible activities within the area of the stream for the purposes of preventing harm or damage to the stream or its surrounding area.” This amendment would ensure spatial development strategies include policies to protect chalk streams. Amendment 70, page 73, line 10, at end insert— “(6A) A spatial development strategy must— (a) list any chalk streams identified in the strategy area; (b) identify the measures to be taken to protect any identified chalk streams from pollution, abstraction, encroachment and other forms of environmental damage; and (c) impose responsibilities on strategic planning authorities in relation to the protection and enhancement of chalk stream habitats.” This amendment would require a special development strategy to list chalk streams in the strategy area, outline measures to protect them from environmental harm, and impose responsibility on strategic planning authorities to protect and enhance chalk stream environments. Amendment 75, page 73, line 10, at end insert— “(6A) A strategic planning board has a duty to ensure that any development specified or described under subsections (4) or (5) does not take place on green belt land unless there is no practicable option for development in existing urban areas, including by— (a) increasing the density of existing development, and (b) regenerating an existing development, in an urban area.” This amendment would ensure that a strategic planning board must only propose development on green belt land where development in urban areas is not possible. Amendment 76, page 73, line 10, at end insert— “(6A) Where a spatial development strategy proposes the development or use of agricultural land, the strategy must consider— (a) the grade of such agricultural land; (b) the cumulative impact of projects developing or using such agricultural land.” Amendment 17, page 73, line 33, at end insert— “(11A) A spatial development strategy must— (a) take account of Local Wildlife Sites in or relating to the strategy area, and (b) avoid development or land use change which would adversely affect or hinder the protection or recovery of nature in a Local Wildlife Site.” This amendment would ensure that spatial development strategies take account of Local Wildlife Sites. Amendment 91, page 73, line 33, at end insert— “(11A) A spatial development strategy must include policies relating to the provision and protection of land for community gardening and allotments” This amendment would require planning authorities to include their policies in relation to the provision of allotment and community garden land in their spatial development strategy. Amendment 67, page 74, line 3, leave out from “means” to end of line 6 and insert “housing which is to be let as social rent housing. (15) For the purposes of this section, ‘social rent housing’ has the meaning given by paragraph 7 of the Direction on the Rent Standard 2019 and paragraphs 4 and 8 of the Direction on the Rent Standard 2023.” This amendment would define affordable housing, for the purposes of spatial development strategies, as social rent housing, as defined in the Directions on Rent Standards. Amendment 23, page 74, line 5, after “2008,” insert— “(aa) housing provided by an almshouse charity,”. Amendment 81, page 76, line 29, leave out from “must” to end of line 38 and insert “consult— (a) residents of the relevant area; (b) businesses located in the relevant area; and (c) representatives of those that the authority considers may have an interest in any relevant area.” This amendment would change the existing requirement in the Bill for a strategic planning authority to notify specified parties to a requirement to consult local residents, businesses, and representative organisations. Amendment 18, page 77, leave out line 33 and insert— “(5) A strategic planning authority must prepare and consult on a statement of community involvement which provides for persons affected by the strategy to have a right to be heard at an examination.” This amendment would require strategic planning authorities to consider notifying disabled people about the publication of a draft spatial development strategy. Amendment 72, page 77, leave out line 33 and insert— “(5) Any person who makes representations seeking to amend a draft spatial development strategy must, if they so request, be given the opportunity to appear before and be heard by the person conducting out the examination.” This amendment requires that anyone who submits representations to amend a draft spatial development strategy has a right to appear in person and be heard during the examination of the strategy. Amendment 142, page 81, line 4, at end insert— “(4A) No review of a spatial development strategy may be undertaken within five years of the publication of the relevant strategic planning authority’s first spatial development strategy following the passing of the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, except where such a review is consented to by the Secretary of State.” This amendment would mean that an authority’s first spatial development strategy may not be reviewed for the first five years except with the agreement of the Secretary of State. Amendment 143, page 81, line 26, after “strategy” insert “, but this may not, within a period of five years following the publication of the relevant strategic planning authority’s first spatial development strategy following the passing of the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, take the form of a full review of the strategy and the scope of any alterations must be agreed with the Secretary of State.” This amendment would mean that an authority may not conduct a full review of its first spatial development strategy in the course of preparing alterations in the first five years. Amendment 144, page 82, line 5, at end insert— “(2A) Subsection (2) does not apply within the first five years of the publication of the relevant strategic planning authority’s first spatial development strategy following the passing of the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, except with the consent of the Secretary of State.” This amendment would mean that an authority may not replace its first spatial development strategy within five years. Amendment 24, page 89, line 28, leave out clause 52. This amendment, along with Amendments 25 to 63, would leave out Part 3 of the Bill. Amendment 6, in clause 52, page 89, line 35, after “to” insert “significantly”. Amendment 82, page 90, line 4, at end insert— “(1A) An environmental delivery plan may be prepared by a local planning authority, or incorporated into a local plan or supplementary planning document. (1B) Where an environmental delivery plan is prepared by a local planning authority, references in sections 48 to 60 to Natural England should be read as referring to the relevant local planning authority.” Amendment 25, page 90, line 14, leave out clause 53. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Amendment 26, page 91, line 12, leave out clause 54. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Amendment 7, in clause 54, page 91, line 27, leave out “an” and insert “a significant”. This amendment would require that an improvement made to the conservation status of an identified environmental feature within environmental delivery plans should be significant. Amendment 150, page 91, line 28, at end insert— “(3A) An EDP must— (a) require developers to demonstrate that they have sought to avoid and minimize any negative effects on the identified environmental feature, and (b) only permit adverse effects on the identified environmental feature where they cannot be avoided and where the adverse effects will be compensated for.” This amendment would ensure the mitigation hierarchy applies to development covered by EDPs. Amendment 137, page 91, line 30, after “appropriate” insert “and if there are imperative reasons of overriding public interest”. Amendment 83, page 91, line 33, at end insert— “(4A) Subsection (4) does not apply where an identified environmental feature is a protected feature of a protected site and is— (a) a chalk stream; (b) a blanket bog.” Amendment 138, page 91, line 33, at end insert— “(4A) Where an identified environmental feature is a protected species, the EDP should— (a) set out conservation measures that address the environmental impact of development on that feature within the relevant Local Nature Recovery Strategy area, and (b) where Natural England considers it appropriate and there are imperative reasons of overriding public interest, seek to improve the conservation status of the same feature elsewhere.” Amendment 27, page 92, line 10, leave out clause 55. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Amendment 28, page 92, line 19, leave out clause 56. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Government amendment 99. Amendment 69, in clause 56, page 93, line 8, at end insert— “(10) An EDP must include a schedule setting out the timetable for the implementation of each conservation measure and for the reporting of results. (11) A schedule included under subsection (10) must ensure that, where the development to which the EDP applies is in Natural England’s opinion likely to cause significant environmental damage, the corresponding conservation measures result in an improvement in the conservation status of the identified features prior to the damage being caused. (12) In preparing a schedule under subsection (10) Natural England must have regard to the principle that enhancements should be delivered in advance of harm.” This amendment would require Environmental Delivery Plans to set out a timetable for, and thereafter report on, conservation measures, and require improvement of the conservation status of specified features before development takes place in areas where Natural England considers development could cause significant environmental damage. Amendment 29, page 93, line 10, leave out clause 57. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Government amendment 100. Amendment 136, in clause 57, page 93, line 19, at end insert— “(2A) When preparing an EDP, Natural England must— (a) demonstrate that there is reliable scientific evidence to suggest that implementing conservation measures as part of an EDP could contribute to a significant environmental improvement in the conservation status of the relevant environmental feature at an ecologically appropriate scale; (b) be able to establish sufficient baseline data on relevant protected features to enable an accurate assessment of the environmental impact of development on the identified environmental features; and (c) take account of the environmental principles set out in section 17 of the Environment Act 2021 and publish a statement explaining how it has done so.” This amendment would require Natural England to provide scientific evidence on the expected effectiveness of the proposed conservation measures when preparing an EDP. Government amendments 101 and 102. Amendment 30, page 93, line 32, leave out clause 58. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Government amendments 103. Amendment 84, in clause 58, page 94, line 14, at end insert— “(j) any impacted landowner, (k) sea fishing businesses, where the EDP covers an area which is adjacent to their fishing grounds, (l) the owners of fishing rights, where the EDP includes or otherwise affects rivers or lakes used for fishing.” Government amendments 104 and 105. Amendment 31, page 94, line 31, leave out clause 59. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Amendment 8, in clause 59, page 95, line 2, leave out “are likely to” and insert “will”. This amendment seeks to strengthen the overall improvement test. Amendment 9, page 95, line 2, after “sufficient to” insert “significantly”. This amendment seeks to strengthen the overall improvement test. Amendment 32, page 95, line 13, leave out clause 60. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Amendment 33, page 95, line 21, leave out clause 61. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Amendment 34, page 96, line 27, leave out clause 62. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Amendment 5, in clause 62, page 96, line 33, at end insert— “(2A) An EDP may not be amended if the amendment would reduce the amount, extent or impact of conservation measures that are to be taken to protect the identified environmental features.” This amendment would mean that the Secretary of State could not amend an environmental delivery plan so as to reduce the measures to be taken to mitigate the negative environmental impact of a development. Amendment 35, page 97, line 20, leave out clause 63. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Amendment 10, in clause 63, page 98, line 8, after “to” insert “significantly”. Amendment 36, page 98, line 21, leave out clause 64. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Government amendment 106. Amendment 37, page 99, line 33, leave out clause 65. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Government amendments 107 and 108. Amendment 38, page 100, line 33, leave out clause 66. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Amendment 90, in clause 66, page 100, line 37, leave out from “that” to end of line 40 and insert ‘‘the conservation status of environmental features are maintained and improved whilst supporting development to proceed where ecologically appropriate.” This amendment would state that the purpose of the nature restoration levy is to enable development while maintaining and improving environmental features. Amendment 39, page 101, line 1, leave out clause 67. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Amendment 40, page 101, line 29, leave out clause 68. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Amendment 41, page 102, line 36, leave out clause 69. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Amendment 42, page 103, line 9, leave out clause 70. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Amendment 4, in clause 70, page 103, line 13, at end insert— “(1A) The regulations must require Natural England to ensure that use of money received by virtue of the nature restoration levy is not unreasonably delayed.” The amendment would ensure that funding would be available for upfront nature restoration and mitigation on development sites. Amendment 11, page 104, line 5, leave out “separately” and insert “to the body established under section [Independent oversight of administration of nature restoration levy]”. This amendment is consequential on NC8. Amendment 12, page 104, line 9, after “money” insert “, and to report to the body established under section [Independent oversight of administration of nature restoration levy] accordingly”. This amendment is consequential on NC8. This amendment would require Natural England to report to an independent oversight body on the use made of nature restoration levy money. Amendment 13, page 104, line 10, after “report” insert “to the body established under section [Independent oversight of administration of nature restoration levy]”. This amendment is consequential on NC8. This amendment would require Natural England to report to an independent oversight body on expected charging collection and use of nature restoration levy money. Amendment 14, page 104, line 16, after “paragraph)” insert “, and to report to the body established under section [Independent oversight of administration of nature restoration levy] accordingly”. This amendment is consequential on NC8. This amendment would require Natural England to report to an independent oversight body on money passed to another public authority. Amendment 43, page 104, line 17, leave out clause 71. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Amendment 2, in clause 71, page 104, line 27, leave out from “levy” to end of line 30 and insert— “(4A) Provision under subsection (4) must include a condition that the nature restoration levy must be paid before development begins.” This amendment would require that the levy is paid up front, so that nature restoration can begin immediately. Amendment 44, page 105, line 8, leave out clause 72. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Amendment 45, page 106, line 32, leave out clause 73. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Amendment 46, page 107, line 18, leave out clause 74. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Amendment 47, page 107, line 24, leave out clause 75. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Amendment 48, page 107, line 32, leave out clause 76. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Amendment 49, page 108, line 19, leave out clause 77. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Amendment 50, page 109, line 27, leave out clause 78. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Amendment 51, page 110, line 38, leave out clause 79. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Amendment 52, page 111, line 9, leave out clause 80. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Amendment 53, page 111, line 25, leave out clause 81. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Amendment 54, page 112, line 33, leave out clause 82. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Amendment 55, page 113, line 29, leave out clause 83. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Amendment 56, page 114, line 3, leave out clause 84. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Amendment 57, page 114, line 33, leave out clause 85. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Amendment 58, page 115, line 10, leave out clause 86. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Amendment 59, page 116, line 19, leave out clause 87. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Amendment 60, page 117, line 1, leave out clause 88. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Amendment 61, page 117, line 10, leave out clause 89. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Amendment 62, page 117, line 27, leave out clause 90. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Amendment 63, page 118, line 29, leave out clause 91. This amendment is linked to Amendment 24. Government amendments 115 to 119 and 109 to 111. Amendment 65, page 163, line 12, leave out schedule 5. This amendment is consequential to Amendment 54. Amendment 66, page 170, line 3, leave out schedule 6. This amendment is consequential to Amendment 60. Amendment 20, in schedule 6, page 174, line 37, leave out paragraph 41. Amendment 131, in schedule 6, page 175, line 1, leave out subparagraph 41(2). This amendment removes provisions that amend the reasons for the killing or taking of badgers. Amendment 132, in schedule 6, page 175, line 16, leave out subparagraph 41(4). This amendment removes provisions that amend the reasons for the killing or taking of badgers. Government amendments 112 to 114, 120 and 121. Amendment 64, in clause 109, page 150, line 38, leave out subsection (3). This amendment is consequential to Amendments 24 to 63.

    Hansard source
22. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Ms Nusrat Ghani

    Planning and Infrastructure Bill

    Order. The list of Members wishing to speak is extensive, so I hope that the Minister will be coming to a conclusion shortly.

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23. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Ms Nusrat Ghani

    Planning and Infrastructure Bill

    More than 55 Back Benchers hope to contribute, and colleagues know what time this debate has to end. It is unlikely that everybody will get in, so colleagues may want to reconsider and submit to speak tomorrow instead of today. I call the Chair of the Select Committee.

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24. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Mr Richard Holden

    Leasehold Reform

    I am glad to see the Government starting to tackle some of these issues. Will the Minister assure me that people on freehold housing estates with covenant issues in places like Basildon and Billericay will also be included in any legislation? They often face service charge increases of tens of per cent every single year, and they need that same assurance being provided to leaseholders that the Government will think about that and take action.

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25. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Mr Peter Bedford

    Local Authority Funding

    One way of ensuring that new unitary authorities such as those for Leicestershire have adequate funding is to base that funding on robust business cases. Given that the Department was five weeks late in providing feedback to the local authorities, will the Minister commit to extending the deadline to ensure that those local authorities have the time that they need to build up those plans?

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26. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Mr Peter Bedford

    Winter Fuel Payment

    Does the Minister agree that those pensioners who missed out on their payment in the winter of 2024 and will qualify under these rules should be reimbursed for the money they lost?

    Hansard source
27. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Lincoln Jopp

    Chinese Embassy Development

    Is the planning officer who is considering this case cleared to receive top-secret information?

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28. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Lincoln Jopp

    Winter Fuel Payment

    I appreciate that the Minister did not get a chance to spend long on the Back Benches—such has been his accelerated rise up the ministerial pole—but would he like to spare a thought for his former Back-Bench colleagues and join me in thanking and congratulating the small band of Labour Back Benchers who went public, broke cover and opposed this dreadful policy?

    Hansard source
29. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Lewis Cocking

    Support for High Streets

    Houses in multiple occupation throughout Broxbourne—on our high streets in particular—are causing my constituents lots of issues. What will the Minister do to review the powers that my local councils of East Herts and Broxbourne have to stop HMOs where we do not want them?

    Hansard source
30. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Lewis Cocking

    Planning and Infrastructure Bill

    I rise to speak to a number of the amendments before us. I spent a lot of time with colleagues on the Public Bill Committee, and some of the amendments are very good and some are not so good. I will try to rattle through as many as I can. I support new clause 43, which stands in the name of my hon. Friend the Member for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner (David Simmonds). Our villages should have the same protection as our towns. Villages have a unique character across all our constituencies, and I am privileged to represent six of them—Brickendon, Hertford Heath, Great Amwell, Stanstead Abbotts, St Margarets and Goffs Oak. I have seen a local council that has built probably too much development in a village, and I have seen that change the fundamental character of Goffs Oak. We should be trying to protect that character, because when people move to villages, they do so for the rural way of life and their unique character and identity. We should stop urban sprawl, and we should stop villages linking together.

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31. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Lewis Cocking

    Planning and Infrastructure Bill

    I thank my hon. Friend for that intervention, and of course I agree. She makes an important point, and I fully support her new clause. I know she is a keen advocate for this provision in her constituency; it is about creating communities. As I have said, this Government are interested only in hitting a national target, which I and lot of experts in the industry do not think they will meet. The Government need to think about how they are going to create the communities of the future and the places where people want to live. That means designing them to be really nice, getting developers around the table and agreeing design codes, and making sure developers really put their money where their mouth is. We should ensure we have tree-lined streets, because when we go out in our constituency, as I am sure you do in yours, Madam Deputy Speaker, a tree-lined street is absolutely beautiful to walk down. It is so much better for the people living there and everybody in the constituency if we make that a reality for lots of our residents. Rather than just focusing on building a set number of houses, we should focus on creating the communities of the future and the places where our constituents want to live.

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32. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Kevin Hollinrake

    Topical Questions

    As the Secretary of State has said, Saturday marks the eighth anniversary of the Grenfell tragedy. As she knows, I can confirm to her that I will work constructively with her and her colleagues to deliver remediation, building safety and the best outcomes for local communities. The previous Government committed over £5 billion for remediation; will the Secretary of State confirm that the spending review will continue to provide such financial support? Will she also confirm that she will meet the previous Government’s pledge to co-fund with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea the renovation of the Lancaster West estate, and that the £85 million from central Government needed and promised to finish the works will be provided?

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33. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Kevin Hollinrake

    Topical Questions

    I know that the Secretary of State has had some difficult negotiations this weekend with her colleague the Chancellor. The spending review is critical for the funding of the affordable homes budget. In the past, the Secretary of State has praised the Chancellor’s generosity, as she puts it, not least for providing the extra £2 billion for the affordable homes budget, but will she admit today that that budget is decreasing from previous levels under our Government? Will she say—even if it is after the spending review—exactly how many affordable and social homes she expects to deliver during this Parliament?

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34. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Kevin Hollinrake

    Chinese Embassy Development

    I thank my right hon. Friend the Member for Chingford and Woodford Green (Sir Iain Duncan Smith) for securing this very important urgent question. Question after question, and letter after letter, the Government have consistently treated Parliament with complete disregard on this matter. They have stonewalled legitimate inquiries about national security, ministerial discussions and warnings from security bodies. I get that the Minister is compromised, in that he has a quasi-judicial responsibility here, but his colleagues in the Home Office and the Foreign Office do not, and they could answer these questions. As the Government know, their own cyber-security experts, Innovate UK, have warned about the threat to the City of London from the embassy. The Wapping telephone and internet exchange is surrounded on three sides by the new embassy, and there are fibre cables carrying highly sensitive information running beneath the site. The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology said yesterday that these matters could be dealt with in the planning process, but the inquiry has ended, so they cannot. If the Government are considering moving the cables, how many millions of pounds of public money will that cost? I recently sent yet another cross-party letter to the Prime Minister, signed by 59 parliamentarians, urging him to pause and reconsider. Since then, the US and Dutch Governments have both sounded the alarm. Have MI5 and GCHQ been able to submit their own warnings to the planning inspector? Does the inspector have access to unredacted plans of the embassy, which the Chinese Government have refused to make public? Have the Government assessed the potential sinister uses of the secret basement in the so-called cultural exchange building? What discussions have taken place with the Bank of England, given its role in cyber-security regulation in the City? Why will the Government not follow the example of the US, Australian and Irish Governments, who vetoed similar embassies that threatened their national security? The Government are on the verge of making a decision that will lead to a huge risk that will persist for decades. Will they change course before it is too late?

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35. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Julia Lopez

    Local Authority Funding

    As an outer London borough, Havering has been hugely disadvantaged by a funding formula based on outdated population figures. We heard today that the Mayor of London himself is concerned that this Labour Government will level down London altogether. Will the Minister confirm that the fair funding review will report by this summer—I have been told that previously by a Minister—and will specifically address the disparities between inner and outer London?

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36. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Julia Lopez

    Chinese Embassy Development

    Things that seem politically and economically expedient at the time can become things that Governments regret very much in the long term, as I found when I was the telecoms Minister having to lead the £2 billion strip-out of Huawei from our 5G infrastructure. It took only a few minutes for the Prime Minister to change his position on the Chinese embassy after a call from President Xi Jinping. The Minister has said he cannot answer any questions on the substance of the issue, but on a planning level will he commit personally to having a secure briefing ahead of making any planning decision, and also to publishing and sharing with this House details of all the representations he has received on the planning application, including those from his own Government?

    Hansard source
37. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·Julia Lopez

    Winter Fuel Payment

    As my hon. Friend the Member for North Dorset (Simon Hoare) ably recalled, the Minister’s superiors told us that there would be a run on the pound unless pensioners took a hit on winter fuel. Given that every economic indicator was worse last year, can the Minister tell us whether the pound is safe with this U-turn, or whether this is just another example of his seniors’ talking utter bilge to justify their terrible decisions?

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38. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·John Lamont

    Topical Questions

    T4. Oxton in my constituency has a newly refurbished community shop, and it exists thanks to the hard work of local volunteers. The Plunkett impact report highlights how community-owned shops are at the centre of the local economy. What are the Government doing to support the ownership of community shops?

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39. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·John Lamont

    Winter Fuel Payment

    A shocking 75% of Scottish pensioners said that they were left cold in their home last winter. Does the Minister agree that the Scottish Government must use the additional funding from today’s announcement to ensure that pensioners in Scotland receive the same amount of winter fuel payment as they did under the previous UK Conservative Government?

    Hansard source
40. 9 Jun 2025·Parliament·John Glen

    Winter Fuel Payment

    Over several fiscal events over seven years, the option of removing the winter fuel payment from the wealthiest was resisted by the previous Government because there was not seen to be an effective rationing mechanism and there were considerable presentational challenges. Will the Minister confirm that pensioners with no mortgage and with significant tax-wrapped savings in individual savings accounts or venture capital trusts, but with a monthly pension of £2,500, will still be fully entitled to receive the winter fuel payment?

    Hansard source