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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he has taken to protect local wildlife sites through the National Planning Policy Framework; and if he will make a statement.

This Government is committed to the strengthened environmental protections proposed in the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), and making these clear. The revised Framework we consulted on proposed a number of measures, including by requiring local authorities to improve biodiversity and air quality, and delivering our manifesto commitment to increase the protection for ancient woodland. We engaged relevant stakeholders during the consultation, which closed on 10 May 2018, and we are currently considering responses. The revised NPPF and the Government’s response will be published this summer.