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 could be transformational for both achieving the UK’s target of protecting 30 percent of land for nature by 2030 and increasing environmental considerations in planning decisions.

LNRS comes on top of a range of other recent additions to the planning system, including Biodiversity Net Gain, Future Homes Standard, and an expected update to the National Planning Policy Framework. So, how do we ensure these new measures have a beneficial environmental impact on local planning decisions? Will the extra burden imposed on planning authorities and developers prevent new homes from being built, or help to increase public support for them?

This webinar will bring together local councillors and planning experts to explore the practical implications of recent reforms to nature and planning policy and, in particular, how councillors should approach Local Nature Recovery Strategies, what should be included, and how they can support delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain.

Speakers will include Trudy Harrison MP, Councillor Marisa Heath, Tom Noble (Create Streets), and Matt Browne (Wildlife and Countryside Link).