Anger after extra protection for rare chalk streams dismissed by ministers
A cross-party group pushed for stringent rules to be put into place to ensure the rare waterways are strictly protected from harm from new developments.
But at a parliamentary committee to examine the government's draft planning bill, an amendment supporting new provisions for the at-risk habitats was rejected by Labour MPs.
Mark Dye, of Gaywood River Revival (Image: Mark Dye)
Mark Dye, spokesman for the Gaywood River Revival - a chalk stream campaign group based in west Norfolk - said: "This news is shocking, but not unexpected from a Labour government that made promises on the campaign trail that it has completely failed to keep.
"You would think that protection of the chalk stream ecosystem would be central to a balanced planning and infrastructure bill.
"It's as if they have ignored all common sense, the scientific evidence presented to them and stuck their fingers in their ears whilst shouting, 'Build, build, build'."
READ MORE: Officials close probe into chalk stream pollution
A section of the River Bure, which is one of Norfolk's chalk streams (Image: National Trust/PA Wire)
Dubbed "England's rainforests," there are only about 200 chalk streams left in the world with 85pc of them found in the UK, 25 of which flow through Norfolk.
Chalk streams such as Gaywood River are at a "tipping point" and face a "perfect storm" of harm caused by over-abstraction, pollution and climate change, Mr Dye said.
Recent low levels of rainfall are exacerbating problems due to diminishing flows.
Recent pictures of the Gaywood River show algae growth smothering the chalk bed, preventing the growth of vegetation (L) and on the right is a healthy section of the chalk stream at Derby Fen (Image: Gaywood River Revival)
The amendment called for protections for all chalk streams as part of the new planning and infrastructure bill, which has been criticised as a "licence to kill nature".
Labour's reform is seen as an attempt to rip up environmental red tape in favour of its push for housing and infrastructure by critics.
The amendment would have required officials to identify measures to better protect chalk streams from pollution, encroachment, abstraction and other damage.
The River Nar, one of Norfolk's chalk streams (Image: Newsquest)
However, Labour MPs rejected it, with Matthew Pennycook, the housing minister, saying it was "not necessary to include the provision in the legislation".
He added that the government had undertaken a comprehensive set of actions outside the bill to protect chalk streams.
Another amendment to ensure irreplaceable habitats such as ancient woodlands, blanket bogs and lowland fens also get more protection was also blocked.
Eliot Lyne, chief executive of Norfolk Wildlife Trust (Image: Danielle Booden)
Eliot Lyne, CEO for Norfolk Wildlife Trust, called the outcome "deeply concerning".
"The Planning and Infrastructure Bill as drafted poses a huge threat to nature," he said.
"It is not, as the government claims, a win-win for nature and growth, it will allow developers to damage irreplaceable wildlife habitats that already face a multitude of other threats.
"Without urgent protection for chalk streams, we are set to lose the crystal-clear waters of rivers such as the Wensum, Glaven and Bure; lose wildlife such as water voles, dragonflies and kingfishers from our landscape; and lose any chance of restoring them in the future."
The region's MPs have joined campaigners in criticising the decision.
South West Norfolk MP, Terry Jermy (Image: Roger Harris)
Terry Jermy, Labour MP for South West Norfolk, has broken ranks and said he is "disappointed" that the opportunity was not taken to "create better protections for chalk streams as they are vital to our cultural and environmental heritage."
Steff Aquarone, MP for North Norfolk (Image: Submitted)
Steffan Aquarone, Liberal Democrat MP for North Norfolk, added: "For Labour to backtrack now is staggering - they've turned down a crucial opportunity to protect our chalk streams and this decision will come at the cost of our precious natural environment."
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