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

To ask Her Majesty’s Government how they will ensure that future housing policy takes account of issues of community, accessibility of good transport facilities, social and cultural amenities and medical care are central to proposals; and what action they are taking in this regard.

The National Planning Policy Framework is clear that local planning authorities should plan positively for the development and infrastructure required in their local area, through their Local Plans. It asks local planning authorities to:

- identify priority areas for viable infrastructure, and work with neighbouring authorities and transport providers to develop plans for its provision, including roads and transport links, social and cultural amenities and medical provision;

- work to create safe and secure layouts which minimise conflicts between traffic and cyclists or pedestrians, and give priority to pedestrian and cycle movements;

- plan positively for the provision and use of shared space, community facilities such as local shops, meeting places, sports venues, cultural buildings, public houses and places of worship and other local services and guard against the unnecessary loss of valued facilities and services.

This Government further recognises the importance of infrastructure with our £2.3 billion Housing Infrastructure Fund, which will open for bids this year. The need for infrastructure to support development is a material consideration in deciding whether development is appropriate for a particular location.

The Framework is clear that local planning authorities should create a shared vision with communities of the residential environment and facilities they wish to see. To support this, local planning authorities should aim to involve all sections of the community in the development of Local Plans and in planning decisions, and should facilitate neighbourhood planning.