Planning and Infrastructure Bill: Nature Friendly

The Government asserted that this Bill would deliver meaningful action to restore nature and tackle climate change. Instead, it offers only limited measures, despite Labour’s manifesto pledge to reform the planning system in ways which would increase climate resilience and promote nature recovery.

Whilst the inclusion of a Nature Recovery Fund (Levy) is welcome, its success depends on ensuring levies are set and managed at a level which enables nature to recover. So, the level of investment and whether the Government is willing to provide initial funding to deliver from day one. Without this, vital restoration work will be delayed. I’m:

• Calling for substantial, upfront funding for the Fund and for Natural England, which will oversee it. Safeguards must also be in place to ensure Natural England’s independence in monitoring the scheme. 
• Supporting Gideon Amos MP, our Housing and Planning Spokesperson, who tabled Amendment 9 to prevent unreasonable delays in funding and Amendment 6 to ensure payments are made before construction begins.

The Bill also provides funding for Environmental Development Plans (EDPs), which should set out clear conservation and protection measures. However, we are concerned it gives the Secretary of State the power to amend these plans and potentially weaken environmental protections. We tabled Amendment 11 to ensure that a Secretary of State cannot alter an EDP in ways that reduce measures designed to mitigate environmental harm.

We also urge the Government to confirm that Local Plans and National Policy Statements governing national infrastructure projects will align with the Land Use Framework and strengthen Local Nature Recovery Strategies. This is essential to strike the right balance between food production and ecosystem services such as flood risk management, climate mitigation, and biodiversity. Therefore, we tabled Amendment 31 and New Clause 28 to ensure the Land Use Framework is used to guide permanent land use changes in a way that supports both food security and environmental sustainability.

We also call for stronger Building Regulations to mandate nature-friendly development in all new housing, ensuring homes are sustainable and support biodiversity. We tabled New Clause 27, requiring the Secretary of State to introduce regulations that enhance biodiversity in new developments, including the installation of swift bricks, bird boxes, bat boxes, hedgehog highways etc.