Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what the Government's target is for the number of housing units to be built in the Oxford-Cambridge Arc; and whether Housing England operates from the same target.

The National Planning Policy Framework expects local planning authorities in England to follow the standard method set out in published guidance for assessing local housing need. The standard method is only the starting point in the process of planning for new homes - it is not a target. Local councils will still need to consider local circumstances to assess how many homes should be delivered in their area

For the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, we are developing a long-term Spatial Framework that will support better spatial planning and investment decisions, support more sustainable development and positive environmental outcomes, and allow communities to shape the long-term future of their areas. The development of the Spatial Framework is at a very early stage. Therefore, it does not currently include any policies or targets. In preparing the Spatial Framework, the Government has committed to a robust evidence-based process to understand the most sustainable approach to supporting future growth options in the Arc.

On 20 July, we launched a 12-week public consultation, seeking views to help us create a vision for the Oxford-Cambridge Arc Spatial Framework. Using the vision as a foundation, we will develop options for delivering its objectives. It is likely that these options will consider strategic growth locations and distribution of growth. We hope to publish this, including a Sustainable Appraisal 'Issues and Options' Report, for public consultation in spring 2022 to give everyone a chance to have their say.