Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the Telegraph article of 15 July 2023 on Natural England's approach to planning applications and climate schemes, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of Natural England's proposals on (a) the number of low emission vehicle zones and (b) planning applications.

Natural England has not made any proposals in relation to air quality and the planning system. Its role in the planning process is an advisory one, to help Local Planning Authorities make well-founded, environmentally sustainable planning decisions.

We remain committed to upholding our vital environmental safeguards as well as supporting sustainable development to deliver the housing we need.