Nature First

New laws will see planning and development required to follow an environmental conscience

- Dr Richard Bloor

The government has committed to new laws that will make it mandatory for property developers to deliver an overall increase in biodiversity on or near to development sites. This approach involves not only combating loss of wildlife habitat resulting from construction, but also creates an opportunity for it to be left better off.

Following consultations with DEFRA, where the Wildlife Trusts were given the opportunity to make the case for putting wildlife at the heart of planning policy, it has been confirmed that biodiversity net gain will be mandated in the forthcoming Environment Bill. Developers will be required to create a measurable amount of new wildlife habitat that is at least 10 per cent greater than the amount lost as a result of any new development.