Written questions by Farron.

Communities and Local Government, what Government guidance there is on technical standards to be applied in dwellings and other buildings to improve indoor air quality.

The government sets standards for indoor air quality mainly through Parts F (Ventilation) and L (Conservation of fuel and power) of the Building Regulations which apply primarily to new buildings with detailed guidance provided in Approved Documents. Approved Document F sets minimum ventilation requirements to provide fresh air and reduce risks from pollutants, moisture, condensation and mould. These standards were strengthened in 2021 and took effect in June 2022. Indoor air quality in existing properties is addressed separately, including through Awaab’s Law which requires social landlords to investigate and remedy damp and mould hazards within set timescales. Government policy is also informed by the Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollution (COMEAP) which provides independent advice on air quality and health.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to paragraph TR7 of the proposed revised version of the National Planning and Policy Framework, what criteria he is using to determine an acceptable environmental effect.

The reference to acceptable environmental effects in proposed policy TR7 is couched in general terms, but the consultation is clear that when using the Framework, the draft policies need to be read as a whole, including in this instance the more specific policies found elsewhere in the Framework for assessing certain environmental impacts. The consultation will remain open for responses until 10 March 2026, and all responses received will be considered before finalising our policy proposals.

Communities and Local Government, how many new homes were built within areas classified as flood zone 3 in 2024-2025.

My Department does not hold data on how many new homes were built within areas classified as flood zone 3 in 2024-2025. The proportion of new residential addresses built on national Flood Zone 3 is published by financial year in live table P320 of our ‘Land use change: new residential addresses’ release. The most recent figures are for 2021-22 and can be found on gov.uk here.

Communities and Local Government, what her planned timetable is for a decision on planning permission for the proposed Whitehaven coal mine.

No target date has yet been set for a decision for the redetermination of this case. Following the quashing of the previous Secretary of State’s decision, the Secretary of State will now write to parties to give them the opportunity to provide any updated information to inform the redetermination. A decision will then be made on the process for redetermination, following which a timetable will be set.

Communities and Local Government, if she will take steps to ensure new houses are only built where there is sufficient (a) water supply and (b) sewage treatment.

I refer the Hon Member to my answer to Question UIN 9948 on 23 October 2024.