Infrastructure needed for new homes, MP tells PM

Targets for health services, transport and other infrastructure are needed alongside new homes, an Oxfordshire MP has told the Prime Minister.

Olly Glover, the Liberal Democrat MP for Didcot & Wantage, said at Prime Minister's Questions that the current planning system is not providing his constituents with the infrastructure they need.

It comes after long delays on key infrastructure, including a GP surgery, at Great Western Park in Didcot.

Sir Keir Starmer said his government was "creating communities" for the future including "good schools, GPs and reliable transport links".

Mr Glover previously presented a backbench bill to parliament, which if passed would mean that housing targets are accompanied by additional targets for healthcare, education and transport services.

Speaking in the House of Commons, he said: "My constituents recognise the need for affordable housing, but the current planning system isn't delivering the GP surgeries, dentists and transport options that they need.

"Will the Prime Minister restore faith in the planning system and as well as focussing on housing numbers, deliver the local targets for health services and wider infrastructure that growing communities need?"

Keir Starmer replied that the government was building 1.5m homes and new communities must include key infrastructure.

He said: "Just today, Mr Speaker, we announced an additional £350m to deliver more affordable homes so more people can realise the dream of home ownership."

The bill presented by Mr Glover is due to go for a second reading before Parliament in June.

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