17 July 2025
Today the Government published a package of amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill in response to concerns from environmental groups about Part 3 of the Bill. Nature charities have welcomed the Government listening to concerns about (1) more legal certainty for environmental improvement; (2) better scientific evidence; (3) a requirement to avoid harm as a priority; and (4) transparency about the timing of conservation measures.
Richard Benwell, CEO of Wildlife and Countryside Link, said:
“We welcome the Government’s amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. Any change to environmental protection comes with risk, but the Government’s new amendments give stronger safeguards for UK wildlife and help ensure that irreplaceable habitats stay off the table for development.
“It’s rare for a Government to bring forward a package of positive amendments before losing a single vote. The changes today are testament to the strength of public demand for a planning system that will protect and restore nature, but they are also a positive sign of a Government willing to listen to good environmental sense.
“There’s a long way to go before EDPs deliver the intended win-win for nature and development in the real world, and more challenges ahead to get the regulations right, but today's changes bring that goal within sight.”
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