THE Government's plan to create 38 new investment zones of which Plymouth is one been labelled as an "attack on nature" by two of the country's biggest conservation groups.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), the Wildlife Trusts and the National Trust all criticised the Government over their planned policies which were announced in their mini-budget on Friday.
Plymouth was among six areas in the South West which have been earmarked as 'investment zones' where planning rules will be loosened to release more land for commercial and housing developments.
But the RSPB said the policy indicates a rolling back of rules on environmental assessments, a claim which the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has dismissed.
Details of what Plymouth's investment zone could include will be part of a business plan submitted to the Government. But it is expected to include "interventions" designed to speed up the delivery of proposed housing, retail and mixed-use developments.
But conservationists are concerned it will be giving developers 'carte blanche' to bypass environmental safeguards.
The RSPB tweeted: "Make no mistake, we are angry. This Government has today launched an attack on nature.
"As of today, from Cornwall to Cumbria, Norfolk to Nottingham wildlife is facing one of the greatest threats it's faced in decades.
Bu hikaye The Herald dergisinin September 26, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye The Herald dergisinin September 26, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
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