A cross-party committee of MPs has launched an inquiry into the environmental sustainability of the government’s plans for housing growth.

The environmental audit committee will seek views on the nature and climate implications of the government’s planning reforms. This includes the government’s proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework as it seeks to build 1.5m homes over the five-year parliament. The government is proposing to re-introduce local housing targets and free up low-quality green belt land which it dubs ‘grey belt’ for development.

The committee’s first hearing will take place tomorrow.