<p>The new National Planning Policy Framework will seek to support better environmental outcomes for the planning system, according to the levelling up secretary Michael Gove.</p> <p>Responding to criticism by Green party MP Caroline Lucas that the <a href="https://www.house-builder.co.uk/news/doubt-cast-300000-homes-target">Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill</a> did not contain a net zero test within all planning decisions, Gove said that the next iteration of the NPPF, to be published in July, would “say significantly more about how we can drive improved environmental outcomes”.</p> <p>Speaking during the second reading of the Bill in the House of Commons, the levelling up secretary also pointed out that the Bill would include a “new streamlined approach to ensuring that all development is in accordance with the highest environmental standards”. </p> <p>He added that the government’s 25-year environment plan and the prime minister’s “leadership” at last year’s COP26 conference “in driving not just this country but the world towards net zero, should reassure”.</p> <p>At the same time, during the debate, Conservative MP David Johnston stated that he wished to see houses built to the latest environmental standard once a certain period has elapsed, “<span>rather than to the one at the time permission was obtained, which is often five or …