Will new policies to boost local nature bulldoze plans for new homes or help create more sustainable communities?

Homeownership in England is becoming an increasingly distant prospect for many young people and the country is one of the most nature-depleted in Europe, with some estimates suggesting that just 3 percent of land is adequately protected for nature. But are these two problems in conflict with each other, or can we build more homes and protect and enhance the environment?

The government believes both challenges can be solved together, by building more sustainable homes, ensuring development delivers a net biodiversity gain, and protecting nature. The recent Environment Act, for example, instructed 48 responsible authorities in England to publish a Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) by March 2025. LNRS will map important local habitats, identify suitable locations for nature recovery, and outline the practical steps that can be taken to improve local biodiversity. Thanks to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act, local planning authorities now have to take account of the LNRS. This…