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

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the definition of brownfield sites where planning permission will be automatic, as set out in <i>Fixing the Foundations</i> published on 9 July.

Legislation to grant permission in principle for residential development on suitable brownfield sites will be introduced in due course, which will define which brownfield sites are suitable and will set out the detail of how permission in principle will be granted. Permission in principle will only be granted where the site is suitable for housing which will provide certainty to developers but will also ensure sites which may not be suitable continue to use the planning application process. We recognise the need to maintain important protections, for instance land with high environmental value.