I completely agree with you about the importance of providing access to active and sustainable travel in new housing developments. 

It is the responsibility of individual local traffic authorities to manage local roads and provide relevant facilities, such as for cycling. The National Planning Policy Framework is clear that transport issues should be considered from the earliest stages of both plan making and development proposals. This ensures that opportunities to promote cycling, walking and the use of public transport are identified early on and pursued. Where significant new housing developments are planned, the framework sets out that they should be focused on locations which either are or can be made sustainable and offer a genuine choice of transport modes.

I am aware that the Government is updating the Manual for Streets. The manual helps local planning authorities to consider street design in housing development and recommends creating a hierarchy when considering the needs of different groups for street development, which places pedestrians and cyclists at the top.

The Government has published a National Model Design Code which forms part of its planning practice guidance. The guide advises local authorities to create a vision statement which should include the ways in which development will deal with traffic, parking, public transport, walking and cycling. The statement should also cover the amount of green infrastructure and character of green spaces.

I am confident that the Government is committed to ensuring our planning system supports beautiful and sustainable homes and communities.