Displaying items by tag: Planning Bill

The Wildlife Trusts have challenged claims made during a recent Commons debate on the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, accusing ministers of misrepresenting the impact of environmental protections on housing development. Housing minister Matthew Pennycook suggested that safeguards like nutrient neutrality were obstructing housebuilding. However, a growing weight of evidence indicates otherwise. For example, a recent survey of 500 councillors found environmental issues ranked 20th among 24 causes of delay; skills shortages in the building sector and developer land banking were much more significant. Evidence also shows that irreplaceable habitats are at risk due to proposed changes in part 3 of the bill, which would weaken the habitats regulations by introducing a more subjective 'overall improvement test.' The Office for Environmental Protection warns this could allow harmful developments in ancient woodlands and other vital habitats. Despite over 30,000 public emails to MPs and cross-party concerns, the Government has not committed to full revisions. The Wildlife Trusts are urging ministers to abandon unfounded claims about environmental 'blockers' and adopt a more evidence-based approach that balances housing needs with robust nature protection.