Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what guidance he has issued to public bodies on the provision of social and affordable housing within any developments on land such bodies have sold for residential development.

The National Planning Policy Framework requires local authorities to plan to meet the market and affordable housing needs in their area. Local authorities are expected to work closely with key partners and their local communities in deciding what type of housing is needed and where housing development should take place. Irrespective of the landowner, planning permissions must be determined in accordance with the Local Plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Central departments are committed to releasing surplus land they own to help meet local housing needs, with a goal of delivering 150,000 homes by 2020 and my Department will be playing a full part in this.