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<p>The National Planning Policy Framework is clear that the purpose of the planning
system is to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development, which includes
the health, social and cultural well-being of local communities. It:</p><p> </p><p>-
sets out that good design is indivisible from good planning and should contribute
to making places better for people;</p><p> </p><p>- asks planners to work to create
safe and secure layouts which minimise conflicts between traffic and cyclists or pedestrians,
and give priority to pedestrian and cycle movements;</p><p> </p><p>- enables local
communities, through the preparation of local and neighbourhood plans, to identify
for special protection green or open areas of particular importance to them as Local
Green Space; and</p><p> </p><p>- seeks to conserve and enhance the natural environment
and reduce pollution.</p><p> </p><p>My Department has this year published planning
guidance which:</p><p> </p><ul><li>Sets a strong focus on design and includes tools
which local authorities may use;</li><li>Sets out how local strategies to improve
health and wellbeing and the provision of the required health infrastructure can be
taken into account in local and neighbourhood plan making and when determining planning
applications;</li><li>Seeks to promote walking and cycling, whilst avoiding unfairly
penalising drivers;</li><li>Asks that councils’ Local Plans consider how to support
walking and cycling facilities, and assess cycle safety;</li><li>Promotes the provision
of bike storage space in new developments;</li><li>Recommends removing street clutter,
to make pavements clearer and more spacious for pedestrians;</li><li>Sets out how
the impact on air quality and noise can be mitigated, including using green infrastructure,
promoting infrastructure to promote modes of transport with low impact on air quality
and incorporating good design to minimise noise transmission through the use of screening.</li></ul><p>
</p><p> </p><p>Furthermore, through the Housing Standards Review, the Government has
developed a nationally described space standard to offer a consistent set of requirements
with regard to the size of new homes. Local authorities will not be required to adopt
a space standard, but where they choose to do so, it should be the nationally described
space standard.</p><p> </p><p>I also refer the hon. Member to the Government’s cycling
delivery plan, published on 16 October, which can be found online at: <a href="http://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/cycling-delivery-plan-informal-consultation"
target="_blank">www.gov.uk/government/consultations/cycling-delivery-plan-informal-consultation</a></p><p>
</p><p>It is for councils and local communities to use their local and neighbourhood
plans and existing planning powers to shape where development can go and create well-designed,
safe and attractive places.</p>
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