Intense lobbying by developers surrounding the UK government’s proposed planning and infrastructure bill has raised concerns about the exclusion of environmental advocates from the decision-making process. The bill, which aims to relax environmental regulations to facilitate the construction of approximately 1.5 million homes, has been met with resistance from nature campaigners who fear significant ecological harm.
The planning and infrastructure bill was published in March 2024, and since then, ministers have engaged in numerous discussions with developers. Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook have reportedly met with developers from major firms such as Berkeley, Barratt, and Taylor Wimpey on multiple occasions. In contrast, the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management has not had the opportunity to meet with any minister, despite repeated requests.
The government plans to push the bill through its final stages, aiming for royal assent in the coming days. This legislation has sparked a tug-of-war between ministers and environmental groups, as concerns grow over the potential impacts on wildlife and natural habitats.
In a recent development, members of the House of Lords secured a crucial amendment aimed at protecting species like dormice, nightingales, and hedgehogs, as well as vital habitats such as wetlands and ancient woodlands. Katherine Willis, the peer responsible for this amendment, emphasized that it would not only safeguard the natural environment but also assist developers by addressing key obstacles to construction. She called on Members of Parliament to support the amended bill, stating, “It provides a pragmatic way out of what are the real things that are blocking development.”
Despite these efforts, the government has shown little inclination to engage in meaningful dialogue with environmental groups. Sally Hayns, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, highlighted the difficulties faced by ecologists in gaining access to ministers. “Access to ministers has been difficult,” she noted. “We asked for a meeting early on, and were initially turned down.”
The disparity in ministerial engagement is striking. While Pennycook has recorded 16 meetings with property developers regarding housing supply and planning reform, his interactions with wildlife and nature groups amount to just four meetings over the past year. This raises questions about the government’s commitment to balancing development with environmental preservation.
The situation is further complicated by ongoing pressures from developers. Vistry, which is constructing 1,200 homes near Newton Abbot in Devon, has recently attempted to lift planning conditions protecting a 2,000-year-old ancient wetland. The company has expressed frustration over “current blockages” and is actively seeking assistance from Labour housing ministers to expedite the project.
As the debate continues, ecologists argue that their expertise is essential for sustainable development. Hayns stated, “There is a very low level of ecological literacy being displayed by ministers.” She expressed concern that nature is being treated as expendable, predicting that this approach could have repercussions in upcoming local elections, as public sentiment increasingly favors environmental protection.
Joan Edwards, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the Wildlife Trusts, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of supporting the amendment aimed at mitigating the most damaging aspects of the planning bill. “The evidence is unequivocal and a consensus is growing: nature is not a blocker to development,” she asserted. “This is the last chance saloon for MPs to ensure that the planning and infrastructure bill rolls out development and growth that brings genuine benefits for people and wildlife.”
In response to criticism, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government defended the government’s actions, stating, “Minister Pennycook attended two meetings with environmental groups on the planning and infrastructure bill in recent months.” They added that these engagements have informed the development and progression of the bill, which aims to eliminate barriers to building essential new homes and infrastructure.
As the final vote on the planning and infrastructure bill approaches, the outcome remains uncertain. The balancing act between facilitating housing development and preserving the natural environment is a critical issue that will likely shape political discourse in the months to come.
