Don't let new planning laws push woods and trees aside

(Credit: WTML)

The Westminster Government is proposing a new Planning and Infrastructure Bill which is intended to be a 'win-win for the economy and nature' but, as it stands, nature will be the loser. The Bill weakens the protections that keep our ancient trees, woods, and most sensitive wildlife safe. The potential consequences for communities are huge. 

Every day, millions of people benefit from the trees and green spaces that surround us. They protect us from floods, help cool our cities, support our mental health, and give vital homes to wildlife. But 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. We have major concerns, as the bill: 

• could weaken the key principle that developers must avoid harming nature first, rather than trying to fix the damage later. 

• may allow development to go ahead without proper environmental checks. How can you protect what you don’t assess? 

• lacks scientific evidence to show EDPs will actually help nature recover. 

• doesn’t guarantee that these plans will do more good than harm, leaving nature at further risk of decline. 

Trees and woods are critical green infrastructure for England 

• Public health: Woodland visits are estimated to boost the UK’s mental health by £185 million every year. Combined with other health benefits, trees and woods contribute over £1.1 billion annually. 

• Flooding: Trees help protect our homes, saving over £400 million a year in flood prevention. 

• Heat: During recent heatwaves, trees helped prevent over 150 deaths linked to extreme heat in London alone. 

Our trees and woodlands aren’t just nice to have – they're vital for healthy communities and essential habitats for wildlife. But this bill could undo years of progress in protecting them and integrating them into developments.  

Tell your MP we need urgent reassurance that trees, woods, and wildlife – and the many benefits they provide to people - will remain protected. Ask them to make sure this bill doesn’t roll back vital environmental safeguards. 

 

• #
• 1Find your MP
• 2Your message
• 3Tell your friends

We need cast iron commitments from Government that nature will be protected and restored in English planning law. 

Urge your MP to take action.

Start by finding your MP