Policy Update: The Planning and Infrastructure Bill

We are now deeply concerned about the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. The anti-nature rhetoric we've talked about has not gone away. Instead, it has set the tone for the passage of this Bill through parliament. The whole process has been somewhat hurried, with apparently little ecological advice taken at the drafting stage, and now the consultation feedback appears to have been largely disregarded.

The Wildlife Trusts, alongside other NGOs, have called for constructive amendments that could transform the Bill into positive legislation which accelerates development, whilst maintaining strong environmental protections. Sadly, the Government just aren't listening. This is why we have no choice but to ask the Government to pull part 3 of the bill. 

What is the Planning and Infrastructure Bill?

The Bill aims to speed up housing and infrastructure delivery by reforming the planning system, modernizing local planning authorities, and reducing environmental red tape. It supports the government's goals of building 1.5 million homes and fast-tracking 150 major infrastructure projects.

Why are we worried about it?

We are concerned because the Bill threatens to weaken environmental protections, potentially leading to irreversible habitat loss and biodiversity decline. In its current form, the Bill allows developers to bypass or weaken existing environmental laws and regulations.

Before the general election Labour promised to restore nature. And now, with this Bill, the Office for Environmental Protection has even declared that the Planning and Infrastructure Bill will cause environmental regression. 

What are we doing about it? 

Cornwall Wildlife Trust held a Round table event for MPs at the end of April along with various Cornish property developers. The developers presented case-studies of small, medium and large developments in Cornwall that are in harmony with nature, and discussed the issues they do face. Nature was not mentioned as a blocker. 

Trust staff presented our concerns, primarily that the Bill contains far too many risks to nature, with far too few safeguards. Four of our 6 MPs attended or were represented and we've since followed up with them and shared our suggested amendments to the Bill. The MPs agreed to work together to fully understand the implications of the Bill and discuss how they might be able to influence the amendment process.

We are also in discussion with members of the House of Lords who live in Cornwall to see what influence they may be able to have when the Bill begins its passage through the Lords stage. 

How you can help

We're now asking you to contact your MP and show that you too are concerned about this draft legislation. The Wildlife Trusts have a template to make this quick and easy for you. 

And keep in touch with our social media channels for more updates and calls to action. You can keep updated on the passage of the Bill online here: bills.parliament.uk/bills/3946.

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