Planning for health and wellbeing

That this House is concerned about the low quality of new homes and places that are being created; recognises the overwhelming evidence of the link between people’s mental and physical health and the quality of their homes and neighbourhoods, including access to nature; notes the number of new homes which lack decent space and natural light; further notes that many homes do not provide walkable access to green space; is further concerned that the Planning White Paper reduces democratic accountability, significantly reduces the number of affordable homes delivered overall but particularly in rural areas and gives developers too much power over local decisions; and calls on the Government to put democracy, affordability, people’s health and wellbeing, and a right to access to nature for all at the heart of the planning reform process.