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Planning and Infrastructure Act Last updated January 2026 The protection of nature and the need to build a strong economy should never be in conflict. I am committed to finding ways to achieve both.
The Planning and Infrastructure Act will not only unblock key infrastructure projects but also provide more funding to protect and restore nature. I understand that this legislation will go further than the current approach in supporting nature recovery. As it is established within this Bill, the Nature Restoration Fund will provide an alternative approach for developers to meet certain environmental obligations. It will enable Natural England to bring forward Environmental Delivery Plans to set out strategic action that will need to be taken to address the impact development has on protected sites and species.
Amendment 130/40 Although I was unable to attend and vote at the Consideration of Amendments back in November 2025, due to other diary commitments, I supported Lords Amendment 130 in principle, and raised my concerns directly with the Minister for Housing and Planning, Matthew Pennycook MP.
I shared with the Minister the concerns expressed by many constituents that, without this amendment, the Bill could allow Environmental Delivery Plans (EDPs) to apply too broadly, including to smaller, site-specific impacts. Sensitive species and local habitats cannot simply be offset elsewhere in the same way that water or air quality impacts can. Treating these unique ecological features as interchangeable may risk undermining the integrity of our natural environments.
The House of Lords’ amendment would ensure that EDPs remain proportionate and focused on strategic issues, where landscape-scale solutions have already proven effective – such as nutrient neutrality, water quality and air quality. By limiting EDPs to these domains, the amendment prevents a blanket approach that could dilute protections for irreplaceable habitats and for species that cannot be relocated or compensated for elsewhere.
I believe that such a targeted approach could deliver meaningful environmental gains while avoiding unnecessary burdens on developers, striking the right balance between nature recovery and sustainable growth. Given that 1 in 6 of species are at risk of extinction in Great Britain, and only 3.3% of planning appeal decisions considered bats and newts as a factor, I expressed my view that such an amendment would bring about greater flexibility for developers whilst improving the versatility in the planning system for the benefit of localised and threatened species.
Swift bricks I was pleased to hear that the Government's planned revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) include a provision to require a swift brick to be installed in all new homes. I have previously stated that these are a no-brainer: very cheap to install but of significant benefit to wildlife.
I have previously pressed the Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary, Steve Reed, to implement this change.
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