The government's flagship environmental delivery plans (EDPs) have been met with growing resistance from prominent figures and campaign groups, who warn that they could allow developers to bypass crucial nature protections for as little as £1. The mounting pressure on Prime Minister Andy Burnham comes ahead of a key debate in the House of Lords next week, where opponents are set to call for the regulations to be withdrawn entirely.
The EDPs, introduced through the Planning and Infrastructure Act, enable developers to circumvent existing environmental laws by contributing to a national nature levy. Critics argue that this mechanism is a 'cash to trash' approach, allowing developers to pay their way out of environmental obligations. A recent report by the Joint Intelligence Committee highlighted the global assault on nature as a threat to the UK's national security and food supply, underscoring the need for robust protections.
As part of the EDP regime, draft statutory instruments are set to make operational and require approval from both the Commons and Lords. However, concerns have been raised about the power these regulations would grant the Secretary of State, including the ability to alter the EDP payment rate without consulting Natural England or developers. Planning lawyer Alexa Culver has warned that such 'unchecked power' could leave the regulations vulnerable to lobbying pressure.
The government maintains that its vision is for a planning system that benefits both development and nature, but critics argue there is a clear lack of commitment and ambition within the current government towards restoring the UK's natural environment. Labour donor Dale Vince has expressed his disappointment with the lack of 'clear and achievable targets' in the government's proposals, while financier Ben Goldsmith has described the plans as 'woefully inadequate'.
Next week's debate will be a crucial test for the government's environmental delivery plans, with opponents looking to build on growing momentum behind their campaign. With over 100 prominent figures signing a letter urging the government to reconsider its proposals, it remains to be seen whether Prime Minister Burnham will heed the warnings and halt the flawed plans in their tracks.