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

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, if he will undertake a review of (a) paragraph 202 of the National Planning Policy Framework and (b) associated guidance on planning applications for the replacement of existing windows with uPVC windows in dwellings that are heritage assets due to their being (i) listed buildings and (ii) located in a conservation area; and if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of requiring decision-makers to consider the impact of the replacement of windows on the (A) environment, (B) carbon footprint of the dwelling, (C) health of the dwelling’s occupants and (D) prevention of mould.

In the Government's British Energy Security Strategy, published earlier this year, we committed to reviewing the practical planning barriers that households can face when installing energy efficiency measures, including in conservation areas and listed buildings. Work on the review is currently underway and I have asked officials to look at a range of issues, including uPVC, to help inform work on this.