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

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, if he will take steps through the National Planning Policy Framework to protect parks and green spaces.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is clear that existing land for open space, sports and recreational buildings should not be built on unless an assessment deems them to be surplus to requirements, or the proposed development ensures equivalent or superior provision in a suitable alternate location.

The NPPF also allows local planning authorities and communities to designate and protect important green spaces by formally designating them as Local Green Space through local and neighbourhood plans, providing formal protection through the framework.