Written questions

Agent of Change

Commons · Question 114822 · Tabled 23 Feb 2026 · Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government · Official record

Answered 3 Mar 2026

Question

Asked by Dame Caroline Dinenage

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he will provide guidance to developers on the role of the agent of change principle in pre-application engagement.

Answer

Answered by Matthew Pennycook, 3 Mar 2026

The agent of change policy is given effect through the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which makes clear that where the operation of an existing business or community facility could have a significant adverse effect on new development in its vi...