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

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether all local authority planning departments are required to employ or use landscape architects when assessing new housing or commercial developments that are proposed; and if not, whether they intend to require such architects to be used.

There is no requirement, or intention to require local planning authorities to employ or use landscape architects when assessing new development. It is for local planning authorities to decide whether this resource is required.

However, the National Planning Policy Framework does require local planning authorities to ensure they have appropriate tools and processes for assessing and improving the design of development, including access to the right skills.

We will be publishing a Planning White Paper in due course which will include measures to support resourcing and skills deficits.