Many of my constituents have got in touch with concerns about nature protections with regard to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
While I support some of the principles, aims and ambitions of the Bill, key areas of this Bill leave me with concerns. I firmly believe that protecting the natural environment is important across the country for the benefit of future generations. It is important that the planning system respects the natural environment, and I will work to ensure that the Government’s planning reforms account for our nature and wildlife.
The Government recently published its reforms to the planning system. I am deeply concerned that the Government is opting to sideline urban housing and prioritising building in rural areas, including the Green Belt. New targets, representing up to a 487 per cent increase for some rural areas, are being imposed on rural communities.
I welcomed that the last Government updated Planning Practice Guidance multiple times to include new guidance on Biodiversity Net Gain, including to ensure that all major developments are required to deliver a 10 per cent benefit for nature. It is important that the Government upholds and supports BNG, and uses the recently announced Land Use Framework to protect rather than destroy greenbelt.
Furthermore, the last Government introduced the Sustainable Farming Incentive to ensure that farmers are being paid for actions that support food production but also protect the environment. I am extremely concerned by the Government’s recent announcement that they will be closing applications for the SFI and call on them to provide certainty and clarify what impact this will have on the UK’s ability to meet its environmental targets, including halting biodiversity loss by 2030.
I am firmly committed to protecting the importance of our nature both locally and nationally. I will be sure to consider this when holding the Government to account. I look forward to further debates about this Bill in the House of Commons and challenging the Government to make it fit for purpose.
