Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 4
4
Not Addressed
Establish a shared geospatial and environmental data platform for cross-government use
Recommendation
Within 12 months of this report, the Government should establish a shared geospatial and environmental data platform, integrated with a case working system. This should be designed for use across government departments, arms-length bodies and local planning authorities to aid decision-making and collaboration. It should be maintained by a cross- 85 departmental team. We note that mechanisms to consolidate and share data–such as the National Land Data Framework and MAGIC (Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside)–are in development. We recommend accelerating this into a fully operational data sharing platform. This would facilitate cross-government working on nature, planning and housebuilding decisions. (Recommendation, Paragraph 32)
Government Response Summary
The government's response discusses a consultation on changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and environmental sustainability, which does not address the recommendation to establish a shared geospatial and environmental data platform within 12 months.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
10. We are consulting on changes to the presumption in favour of sustainable development as part of our wider consultation on changes to the NPPF that was published on 16 December 2025. The details of this consultation can be found at National Planning Policy Framework: proposed reforms and other changes to the planning system. We will consider the responses received, including any in relation to how environmental sustainability is addressed, before finalising the publication of a revised Framework.