Paul Harris/2020VISION
Planning and Infrastructure Bill
It's not "nature or development". It's both.
The Labour Party promised voters that they would protect and restore nature. But less than a year in, new planning changes are set to weaken environmental protections for developments, like housebuilding. This is bad for wildlife and for people.
The UK Government’s response to months of tireless campaigning from The Wildlife Trusts, our members and other environmental organisations is a welcome step forward – but there’s still more to be done.
In July, the Government tabled amendments which add nature safeguards to Part 3 of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
The new amendments are an improvement to the Bill and will reduce the risk that Part 3 of the Bill will provide cover for widescale damage to wild spaces and species.
Thank you to everyone who joined our campaign, by either signing our open letter calling for nature safeguards, sent to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), or emailing their MP asking for Part 3 to be withdrawn. Changes like this happen because of you. Over 90,000 people across the country took part, proving that your voice truly matters.
We will continue to update supporters on the progress of this Bill and what action you can take.
Biodiversity Net Gain consultation
Biodiversity Net Gain benefits are being put at risk by new proposals from UK Government which would mean the vast majority of new developments will be exempt from this process. That’s bad for wildlife, and also bad for people.
Got any questions?
The Wildlife Trusts have created a useful FAQ page to address any concerns and questions regarding the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
Hear from our CEO, Nick
Nick explains why the proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill could be so damaging for nature if it's not amended.
He also shares a huge thank you to everyone who signed our open letter and asks supporters to contact their MP.
Although the action to contact MPs has now closed, we'll keep updating supporters and standing up for nature as the Bill progresses.
Planning and Infrastructure Bill Priorities
Read more about our priorities for the Planning and Infrastructure Bill below. This bill needs to provide confidence that any changes result in a win for nature.
We are proud members of Wildlife & Countryside Link and are backing the Wilder By Design campaign, highlighting three key asks for this Bill.
Beaver swimming with its head just above the water © Russell Savory
Withdraw Part Three
We call on the Government to acknowledge the expert consensus that Planning & Infrastructure Bill will set back nature’s recovery, and to withdraw Part 3 of the Bill. After months of rejecting constructive attempts to improve this Part of the Bill, this is the best way in which Ministers can repair trust. If Ministers cannot bring themselves to do this, as a bare minimum they should accept the four critical amendments proposed by The Wildlife Trusts, Wildlife and Countryside Link and other nature organisations at committee stage to make Part 3 of the Bill work better.
Luke Massey
Include protecting nature
This bill needs to be aspirational. It MUST take steps to protect and recover nature. We want Ministers to introduce new protections for local wildlife sites and wildbelt. It is CRUCIAL for all new development to include nature in their design.
