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

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to encourage the protection of green spaces in town centres.

The National Planning Policy Framework makes clear that local planning authorities should pursue policies to support the viability and vitality of town centres.

The Framework also provides strong protection for open space. It makes clear that existing open space should not be built on unless an assessment has been undertaken which has clearly shown it to be surplus to requirements, or the loss resulting from the proposed development would be replaced by equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity and quality in a suitable location. The Framework enables local communities to identify green areas of particular importance to them for special protection by designating them as Local Green Space, through the preparation of local and neighbourhood plans.