Planning law change 'could leave wildlife more at risk'

WILDLIFE could soon be put at risk by sweeping building reforms, green groups have warned.

- By Emily Beament

Nature warning...barn owls are among the species at risk over the proposed planning changes, experts said

Dormice, otters and barn owls are among the threatened animals that could be affected by proposals to make developers pay a levy for their impacts on nature.

The plan is to make developers pay a fee, rather than follow existing rules to protect wildlife.

But the Wildlife and Countryside Link (WCL) coalition of 90 nature organisations has warned of a “black hole” in evidence, suggesting the proposals might not work for many species.

Richard Benwell, chief executive of the WCL, said: “When it comes to protected species, there's a gaping black hole in evidence.