Last chance to stop new planning laws threatening our irreplaceable woods and trees
(Credit: WTML)
The Westminster Government's Planning and Infrastructure Bill is being sold as a 'win-win for the economy and nature'. But it's nature that stands to lose - and with it, our health, our community identity and our future.
In response to concerns we and others have raised, the government introduced some amendments and promised it would issue a ministerial statement to give assurance that harm to nature would be avoided wherever possible and irreplaceable habitats would be protected. But we’re still waiting for this and as it stands the Bill threatens to undermine what little protection our trees, woods and wildlife have. If it passes in its current form, it could spell death by a thousand cuts for nature - small individual losses adding up to the slow, silent destruction of the green spaces that hold our communities together.
Every day, millions of people benefit from the trees and green spaces that surround us. They shield us from floods, help cool our cities and support our mental health. Without further amendment Part 3 of this Bill could put all that at risk.
What’s happening?
The Bill introduces Environmental Delivery Plans (EDPs) for new developments. Whilst these could be an opportunity to do more for nature recovery, the plans will be funded by a new one-off charge on developers to ‘compensate’ for damage to the environment, enabling them to offset harm or destruction of woods and trees by contributing to nature-friendly plans in the wider area. There are no guarantees that the compensation for nature takes place close to where the developments happen.
We’re deeply concerned because, despite government amendments to help clarify intentions with the EDPs, ministers have so far proved unwilling to make clear on the face of the Bill that irreplaceable habitats such as ancient woodland will not be harmed. The Government needs to make good on its own rhetoric. Ultimately the Bill still:
Planning policy should ensure that nature is protected and strengthened, not eroded.
What could this mean for you?
Ancient woods cleared for new housing estates.
Communities left hotter, lonelier, and more vulnerable to flooding.
Air pollution dominating our neighbourhoods without trees to filter it.
Less wildlife for people to enjoy on their doorsteps.
This isn't an abstract threat, it's permission to destroy the places we love and the nature we depend on.
Trees and woods aren't optional extras, they're life-saving infrastructure.
This bill could undo years of progress in protecting woods and trees and integrating them into developments.
Tell your MP we can't afford to gamble with the future of our trees, woods and wildlife. Demand urgent assurance that this bill won't roll back vital environmental safeguards - before it's too late.