Farming Road Map and Profitability Review

Debate between Steff Aquarone and Emma Reynolds

Wednesday 24th June 2026 Commons Chamber

[Steff Aquarone (North Norfolk) (LD)]

On-farm reservoirs can really help to reduce flooding and the need for water extraction, yet the Minister for Housing and Planning was rather dismissive of this during the passage of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. Will the Secretary of State commit to taking steps to review permitted development rights, and can she give us some timescales?

[Emma Reynolds]

We consulted on that issue—obviously, this falls under the MHCLG—in December. The Ministry is considering the responses, but I am working with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to ensure that we make it easier for farmers to establish on-farm reservoirs in order to give them more resilience.