Planning Reform Working Paper: Development and Nature Recovery

Overview

This consultation seeks views on our working paper setting out a new approach to development and nature recovery. 

The Government is committed to getting Britain building again, delivering on the plan for change by meeting the ambitious milestone of building 1.5 million safe and decent homes in England this Parliament. At the same time, we are equally committed to securing positive environmental outcomes and driving nature recovery.  

We want to free up and accelerate development, and at the same time unlock the positive impact this development can have in driving nature recovery. We are therefore proposing to establish a more efficient and effective way for Habitats Regulations and other environmental obligations to be discharged.  

This new approach proposes to use funding from development to deliver environmental improvements, and move more responsibility for these improvements onto the state rather than developers. The aim of this approach is to allow development to come forward while ensuring better environmental outcomes.

Why your views matter

We want to understand what barriers there may be to speeding up development and facilitating nature recovery through these proposals.  

Subject to views in response to this consultation, we intend to bring forward legislation to implement changes through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which was announced in the King’s Speech on 13 July.