The Planning and Infrastructure Bill is a key piece of Government legislation, nearing the conclusion of parliamentary debate before becoming law. This is a critical time for the Bill, which proposes significant adverse changes to current environmental policies and poses significant risks to our wildlife. Despite some movement by Government to address some of the most damaging elements of the Bill, there are still concerns that it is regressive in terms of conservation needs.

In October the House of Lords voted for some significant amendments that could make all the difference, including ‘Amendment 130’ that would prevent some key measures (outlined in Part 3 of the Bill) applying where it would be most damaging to wildlife.  MPs will be voting on these amendments in November – now could be our last chance to influence the outcome of this debate.

For more background and ARC’s comments on the Bills journey so far, please see our previous articles on the matter; Planning and Infrastructure Bill: ARC’s views and a call to action and Planning and Infrastructure Bill Clears Commons Despite Wildlife Fears.

To help public engagement with lawmakers, The Wildlife Trusts have created an online form enabling individuals to contact their local MP about the proposed amendments to the Bill.  ARC is supporting this initiative, noting that it provides an accessible way for citizens to speak up for nature and influence legislative outcomes.

Background

Of particular importance for reptile and amphibian conservation is Part 3 of the Bill. This introduces the creation of Environmental Delivery Plans (EDPs), which are intended to manage the ecological impacts of development by taking a strategic approach. Amendment 130 would restrict EDPs to certain kinds of impact where this approach is most likely to work, notably water quality. Crucially, Amendment 130 would exclude protected species and habitats from the EDP process.

ARC argues that a complete overhaul of existing legislation is unnecessary. The organisation points to district level licensing for great crested newts as a promising model, demonstrating how current laws can balance development needs with wildlife protection. Introducing uncertainty through new, untested processes under Part 3, ARC warns, could place already at-risk species and habitats in greater danger.

"The best solution for both nature and development lies in improving the processes already in place, rather than replacing them with the risks and ambiguity we see in this Bill" ARC CEO, Dr Tony Gent stated. “Removing species from Part 3 of the Bill is essential to ensure they are properly considered in the planning process.”

Action

Members of the public are encouraged to urge MPs to support Amendment 130. We also support other amendments, notably Amendments 93, 94, 114, 115, 116, 140, 148, 173A, and 245, all of which seek to strengthen wildlife safeguards—particularly for reptiles and amphibians.

A brief summary of some of these amendments has been provided below:

• 93 - Requires Natural England to publish annual reports on Environmental Delivery Plans (EDPs).
• 94 - Empowers the Secretary of State to designate another person to exercise Natural England’s functions under Part 3 (EDPs and levy).
• 114 - Clarifies that compulsory temporary possession of land is only permitted under specified Acts/orders.
• 116 - Grants new powers for confirming authorities to appoint inspectors for compulsory purchase order confirmations.
• 245 - Require EDPs to comply with the mitigation hierarchy.

To contact your MP or learn more about the campaign, visit The Wildlife Trusts’ “Email Your MP” webpage.

As Parliament continues to debate the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, ARC is calling on MPs and Peers to ensure that the planning regime does not compromise the country’s vital natural heritage.