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The Guardian
a day ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Labour MPs poised to rebel over planning bill amid concerns for nature
Labour MPs are planning to rebel over the planning and infrastructure bill after constituents raised concern that it threatens protected habitats and wildlife. The Guardian understands that about two dozen Labour MPs are calling for ministers to force developers to build more than a million homes for which they already have planning permission before pushing through legislation that rolls back environmental protections for the most protected habitats in England. Ministers are understood to be drawing up amendments to the most controversial part of the bill, part three, in an apparent scramble to head off a rebellion and quell the anger of respected wildlife groups, whose membership is many millions strong. Sources close to the discussions said there were red lines that could not be crossed to make sure nature was protected. Alexa Culver, an environmental lawyer with RSK Wilding, said ministers were expected soon to present 'appeasement' amendments on part three so they could claim the legislation was not regressive. She said: 'We should assume that ministers won't have sought the advice of the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) on these amendments. I urge us all to call for a further legal opinion from the OEP so that misleading ministerial statements aren't allowed to stay in circulation for too long.' The Guardian revealed on Tuesday that three separate legal opinions – including the OEP's – say the bill rolls back environmental protections, including for more than 5,000 of the most sensitive, rare and protected habitats in England, leaving them vulnerable to destruction. Wildlife charities are calling on the government to scrap part three and redraw the bill when it returns to parliament on Monday. Beccy Speight, the chief executive of the RSPB, said: 'The government must stop portraying this planning bill as a win-win for nature and economic growth. It is not. A thriving natural world is essential to underpin both growth and a resilient future. It's not too late for the government to address the issues with part three of the bill, and put forward legislation that can actually deliver economic growth and restore nature at scale.' Property developers have yet to build 1.4m homes for which they have planning permission. In a tactic known as landbanking, developers hold land with planning permission to secure higher values, according to recent research by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR). Chris Hinchliff, the Labour MP for North East Hertfordshire, said that rather than pushing through a bill that allowed developers to pay to sidestep environmental protections, ministers should force developers to start building the homes they already had permission for. Hinchliff has submitted a number of amendments to the bill aiming to strengthen protections for nature. He said: 'This legislation strips back environmental protections and local democracy but does nothing to stop developers drip-feeding developments to inflate prices. The planning system consistently approves more homes than get built. The bottleneck isn't simply process, it's profit.' The rebel backbenchers are working with the Green party and the Liberal Democrats to form a large group that hopes to scupper part three of the bill, which they say is the most damaging, when the legislation comes to parliament next week. Part three allows developers to sidestep environmental obligations by paying into a nature restoration fund, for environmental improvements elsewhere at a later date. The planning and infrastructure bill is central to the government's growth strategy, with a target to build 1.5m homes by the end of this parliament to address the UK's housing affordability crisis and drive economic growth. Ministers announced recently that they were consulting on a range of measures to get developers building, including considering a use-it-or-lose-it policy, which was recommended by the IPPR in its report in February. IPPR research shows that planning rules have been loosened over the past two decades but building rates have decreased during that time. Hinchliff said there should a fresh approach to deal with underperforming developers. 'I've proposed financial penalties for developers who don't build as promised, and new powers for councils to block developments from firms which repeatedly land bank,' he said. Terry Jermy, the Labour MP for South West Norfolk, said: 'Ensuring that homes with planning permission get built in a timely manner is part of the solution to our housing needs. There's a housing shortage in the country, which is costing local councils and the government huge sums of money in emergency and temporary accommodation, and the dream of home ownership remains out of reach for many. Tackling landbanking needs to form part of the government's focus to bring about the change needed.' Dr Maya Singer Hobbs, a senior research fellow at IPPR, said: 'Developers are not deliberately building slowly to stymie housebuilding, but they are not going to build at a rate that will reduce house prices – it's not in their interest to do this, and indeed they have legal obligations to shareholders that would prevent this. There might be a case to explore whether giving local authorities the power to apply a 'use it or lose it' approach to planning permission would speed up delivery.'
BBC News
3 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Welsh environment law aims to protect rivers and nature
A new law which is intended to protect nature and reverse the loss of wildlife has been introduced by the Welsh government. If passed in the Senedd, it will allow members of the public to challenge organisations in Wales, including councils, on environmental issues such as water pollution. Public bodies in Wales will also be forced to publish nature recovery action plans, with targets set by the Welsh say the bill is long overdue, citing the "systemic failure" of the Welsh government and regulatory bodies "to keep our rivers clean and prosecute those who pollute them". Campaigners and politicians have repeatedly told the government to "crack on" and criticised the time it has taken to plug what has been seen as a gap in environmental protections after used to be able to complain free of charge to the European Commission if they felt their government and its public bodies were not doing enough to abide by green laws and protect nature. It could decide to investigate on their behalf and force member states to take action - notable examples involving Wales included a failure to tackle sewage discharges, addressing emissions of harmful pollutants from Aberthaw coal-fired power station in the Vale of Glamorgan as well as air pollutions levels on some of Wales' busiest roads. The UK government set up an independent Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) in 2021 to carry out a similar role for England and Northern Ireland, while the Scottish government set up an organisation called Environmental Standards Scotland in the same left Wales as the only part of the UK without permanent arrangements in repeated criticism of campaigners will now be addressed with the establishment of the Office of Environmental Governance Wales. Its role will include ensuring public authorities, such as the Welsh government, Natural Resources Wales and councils, are complying with and implementing the law. Other elements of the bill include ensuring Welsh government ministers and the regulator Natural Resources Wales apply environmental protection when making also puts "ambitious" targets focused on reversing the loss of wildlife into law with public bodies tasked with preparing and publishing a nature recovery action plan for their areas. The Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs Huw Irranca-Davies described it as "crucial legislation that will empower us to address climate and nature emergencies, safeguard our environment from harm and ensure a sustainable future for Wales"."Wales is facing unprecedented challenges in respect of climate change and biodiversity with severe weather events like floods, heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires significantly impacting our communities, our ecosystems and even our economy," he said. "The urgency to act has never been greater, and this Bill is an important step in strengthening our response and oversight of action in Wales." Alex Phillips of WWF Cymru said he was "very happy" at the bill's introduction but "it has been more than eight years in the making so is long overdue". Specific targets on saving and restoring particular species and habitats will only be decided on after the bill becomes law, and with the latest stocktake of Wales' wildlife in 2023 revealing that one in six species were at risk of disappearing."Other parts of the UK have moved ahead of us in this regard and quite a number of areas," Mr Phillips said. "We've known we've had to do this for nearly a decade now, and those major issues like water pollution haven't just come overnight."Mr Phillips said research WWF had commissioned showed "a systemic failure" of Welsh government and other public bodies (as well as subsidiary bodies such as Natural Resources Wales) to act to address river pollution, "which is principally being caused by agriculture and sewage". He said: "Seven out of nine of Wales' iconic rivers protected for species and habitats of international importance are now deemed to have reached excessive levels of phosphorus pollution."The Welsh government talks a good game about nature recovery and the meeting of international commitments, but the evidence shows that this isn't being delivered on the ground." Anthony Slaughter who is the leader of Wales' Green Party described the bill as "recklessly weak".He said: "The lack of urgency for people and planet is astounding. "Communities suffering regular flooding, damaged infrastructure, land slips, and vanishing wildlife will wonder what on earth Labour are waiting for."Annie Smith, RSPB Cymru's head of nature policy and casework, said she was "delighted" that the 'Nature Positive' Bill had "finally" been laid but said she "would like to see it go even further". "As it is coming right at the end of the Senedd term, it will place the tools to drive change in the hands of the next Welsh government and Senedd and it must leave no room for doubt over the urgency of stepping up action to reverse biodiversity loss," she said.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Chris Packham's charity to sue Angela Rayner over planning blitz
The charity co-founded by naturalist and BBC presenter Chris Packham has threatened legal action against Angela Rayner after she claimed her planning reforms would not water down environmental protections. Wild Justice, the conservationist charity, has demanded that Ms Rayner, the Housing Secretary, correct a statement made to MPs in March when she described the new planning and infrastructure Bill as a 'win-win for development and for nature'. Ms Rayner told the Commons that the Bill, which applies to projects in England and Wales, would not reduce the existing protections safeguarding the environment from construction projects. However, the charity has issued a 'pre-action protocol' to Ms Rayner urging her to 'correct the parliamentary record', claiming that her statement was inaccurate, and that it will apply for a judicial review if she does not. Ruth Tingay, a co-director of Wild Justice, said: 'It's important that the secretary of state corrects her statement on the environmental ramifications of this Bill because to continue to portray it as a 'win win' for nature and people is inaccurate and will mislead MPs into voting for something that is likely to have catastrophic consequences for protected species and habitats.' As part of the planning shake-up, developers will be able to proceed without having to prove that there will be no negative environmental impact on the site. Instead, they will be required to pay into a fund intended to offset potential damage elsewhere. Wild Justice commissioned planning lawyers to draw up a legal opinion, which states the Bill will weaken existing levels of environment protection. Mr Packham told The Guardian, which first reported the news: 'Good people fought long and hard to put proper wildlife protection into law. And it helped, but hasn't stopped the relentless decline of the UK's biodiversity. And now, in a time of absolute crisis, we need to save every last tree, bird, butterfly or bug.' 'So how do the Government think it's going to if they smash those laws up? I really hope they rein it in and bow to the love, passion and determination of a nation of animal lovers.' Earlier this month, the Office of Environmental Protection (OEP), the watchdog for environmental protection, warned that the changes would be a 'regression' of existing measures. Dame Glenys Stacey, the OEP chairman, said the Bill 'would have the effect of reducing the level of environmental protection provided for by existing environmental law'. A spokesman for Ms Rayner's Housing Department said: 'We are introducing the Nature Restoration Fund to unblock the delivery of much-needed homes and infrastructure, funding large-scale environmental improvements across whole communities and introducing robust protections that will create only positive outcomes for the environment.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
The Guardian
02-05-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Labour's planning bill threatens protected habitats, says environment watchdog
Keir Starmer's planning bill has been criticised by the environment watchdog, which has warned that the draft of the legislation would remove safeguards for nature and put protected sites at risk. Currently, laws that protect habitats and nature are derived from EU legislation. Since the UK left the bloc, it has been able to weaken these laws that protect specific species and habitats. The planning and infrastructure bill going through parliament overrides EU-derived specific habitat protections, and asks instead for general environmental improvement when developers build houses. The bill also allows housebuilders to pay into a nature restoration fund to improve habitats on another site, which could be anywhere in the country, rather than avoiding disturbance to nature where they are building. The bill aims to boost economic growth by removing 'red tape', making it easier to build homes and other infrastructure. But nature organisations have warned it puts nature at risk. The environment minister Mary Creagh this week complained that criticism of the bill was 'deeply misleading' and that it was a 'win-win for people and for nature recovery'. But according to Dame Glenys Stacey, the chair of the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP), the bill will weaken environmental protections. 'There are fewer protections for nature written into the bill than under existing law. Creating new flexibility without sufficient legal safeguards could see environmental outcomes lessened over time. And aiming to improve environmental outcomes overall, whilst laudable, is not the same as maintaining in law high levels of protection for specific habitats and species. 'In our considered view, the bill would have the effect of reducing the level of environmental protection provided for by existing environmental law. As drafted, the provisions are a regression.' The watchdog has called for the bill to be strengthened and for safeguards of protected nature sites to be included. It warns that under this bill, conservation measures would be allowed to be located away from the protected sites affected by development. Presently this is only allowed in limited circumstances and where the protected site network is protected, but, the OEP said such safeguards are absent from the bill. The Guardian revealed this week that housing developers will be able to build on once-protected green spaces without having to replace the loss of nature in the nearby areas. New nature areas, parks and community gardens created to offset the removal of green spaces to make way for housing developments may not even have to be in the same county. Environmental experts have called for the bill to be amended. Ali Plummer, the policy director at Wildlife and Countryside Link, said: 'When the government's own watchdog brands the planning and infrastructure bill environmental regression, ministers can't ignore it. The bill is a clear watering down of protections but there is still time to amend it, resulting in wins for both development, communities and wildlife. Sign up to First Edition Our morning email breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion 'England deserves policies that raise the bar for nature and neighbourhoods nationwide, not roll it back. Now is the time for the government to recognise the problems with the bill and get it back on track.' Alexa Culver, legal counsel at RSK Biocensus, said: 'This opinion exposes government's willingness to mislead the public to drive through environmentally and economically harmful policy. This dangerous bill needs to be halted, for normal due process, broad and wide consultation, impact assessment and pilots. Bulldozing this bill through isn't winning votes, and isn't helping our economy, or our environment.' Defra has been contacted for comment.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Thrill ride manufacturer who made rides for Walt Disney World and Universal opens HQ in Orlando
Get ready for even more innovation in the world of theme park thrills! Vekoma Rides, the global powerhouse responsible for designing and manufacturing some of the most iconic roller coasters and attractions worldwide, has officially opened its new and expanded Americas headquarters right here in Orlando. Known for their cutting-edge designs and quality engineering, Vekoma has been a key player in the attractions industry for decades. You've likely experienced their magic firsthand on popular Orlando rides like the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and the exhilarating TRON Lightcycle Run at Walt Disney World, as well as the Freedom Flyer at Fun Spot America and Flight of the Hippogriff at Universal Orlando. Company CEO Anne-Mart Agerbeek emphasized the strategic importance of this move, stating, 'We are a company. We are making roller coasters, but also other attractions, and we are really happy to do so.' She further noted Orlando's central role in the industry, saying, 'Well, this is the place to be for our industry.' The new headquarters, located in downtown Orlando, signifies Vekoma's commitment to the growing America's market and will allow them to be closer to their clients. This expansion is also expected to bring new job opportunities to the Orlando region over the next 18 months. The Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) played a crucial role in facilitating Vekoma's move to the City Beautiful. According to OEP President and CEO Tim Giuliani, 'They chose Orlando to put their American headquarters here in downtown Orlando.' This exciting development underscores Orlando's position as the undisputed Theme Park Capital of the World, not just for the incredible experiences it offers visitors, but also as a hub for the innovative companies that power the magic behind the scenes. Stay tuned to our website for more updates on Vekoma Rides and the exciting future of Orlando's attractions industry. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
